10 Tips For Identity Theft Protection
Posted on January 7, 2008 - Filed Under Legal and Law
The crime of identity theft is rising where it has become one of the fastest growing crimes of this century. Practice the art of identity theft protection for yourself so that you do not become a victim. Here are ten tips that you should follow to avoid having yourself be an easy target for identity theft.
1. Destroy private records
Do not keep private records and statements longer than you need to. If you are concerned about an IRS audit, you do not need to keep records longer than 7 years. Get rid of those credit card solicitations. Don’t just tear them up, which can be pieced back together by thieving dumpster divers, invest in a paper shredder, very inexpensive at any office supply store like Best Buy or Office Max.
2. Protect your Social Security number
You should never carry your Social Security card in your wallet or purse, because if you get mugged or lose your wallet/purse, that is just another avenue for the thief to pursue to steal your identity. Never write your Social Security number on a check.
3. Don’t leave receipts behind
When you go to the ATM machine or use the automated gas pumps at the gas station, never leave the receipt behind. Always take the receipt with you and destroy it when you get home.
4. Watch
Many identity theft crimes are committed by taking the contents of people’s mail boxes before they get home from work. Be sure to get the mail as soon as it arrives, or have your mail forwarded to a PO box or a “suite” at a place like Mailbox USA or similar.
5. Always know who you are dealing with
Whenever someone contacts you claiming to be from the phone company, the gas company, the fraud department at your bank, or anything similar, how do you know how they really are? The answer is that you do not. Do not divulge any private or financial information to a telephone caller unless you are 100% sure of who they are.
6. Do not let your credit card out of your sight
Sure, it is convenient to let the waiter at the restaurant take your card to charge you for that great meal, or let the clerk at the department store take your card into the back room to process your purchase. But it is also a risk when you let your credit card out of your sight. Are you 100% sure they are not skimming? If it is a matter of your card being out of your sight even for a second or using cash, opt for cash.
7. Remove your name from telemarketing lists
Add your phone number to the national “do not call” registry by calling toll free 1-888-382-1222. You can also opt out of credit card solicitations which will reduce your volume of junk mail tremendously.
8. Protect your personal information
Your employer and government offices are the ONLY ones that need your Social Security number and have a right to ask for it. In some states, your driver’s license number is the same as your Social Security number, so contact your state’s driver license office to see how to get that changed, since your driver’s license number may be required sometimes. But even if it’s not the same, be sure that the company you are dealing with will not share or sell that information and find out what their written privacy policy is.
9. Review your credit card statements thoroughly
Go through each of your credit card statements every month with a fine tooth comb. Make sure you know who the merchant is, and verify the amounts and locations. Call the credit card company immediately if you do not recognize any transaction.
10. Monitor your credit report
Check your credit report at least annually and if you suspect anything, even more often. Get a copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus, since they do not share information and they will have separate reports on you. Look for any accounts you do not recognize or did not authorize, and dispute any errors you see with the credit bureau.
For more information about Identity Theft or to check into Identity Theft Insurance please visit our web site at http://www.identity-theft-info.com
Tags: identity theft, identity theft protection, prevent identity theft
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