With identity theft on the rise, it’s more important than ever to protect your personal information, including your Social Security number, bank account information, credit card numbers and more.
There are a number of steps you can take to keep your personal information private. One easy thing you can do is to keep your Social Security card stored in a locked fire-proof safe. Never carry your Social Security card in your wallet.
You should also shred documents containing any important information in a confetti-cut shredder. Bank statements, bills, credit card offers and more should be shredded.
Protecting yourself from identity theft is easy. Take the necessary precautions today.
(photo credit: d70focus)
April 12th, 2009 by admin | Posted in Protecting Yourself | Comments (0)
The Federal Data Trade Commission Identity Thief Clearinghouse, reports that the four main types of identity thief are: credit card, bank, communication services and fraudulent loans.
Over half the victims of identity theft involves credit card use. Usually someone opens an account in another person’s name or uses their credit card account without permission.
Bank fraud involves opening a checking or savings account in someone else’s name, or writing a check on another persons account. Often the checks are stolen.
About one fourth of identity thief involves opening a cell phone or utility account using the personal information of someone else.
Fraudulent loans involve obtaining a loan, usually an installment contract, using another persons identity.
Identity thief can be prevented by following the following steps:
Store all documents with personal information in a safe place. If you don’t want to keep it, then shred before putting in the trash, especially pre-approved applications.
Don’t display personal information on public documents.
Avoid putting your social security number on your drivers license. Don’t have phone numbers pre-printed on checks. Often the thief already has information about you and they’re just looking for one more piece of information that leads to you.
Make sure your mail is delivered to a secure place. If you are in an isolated area consider placing a lock on the box. Arrange for someone else to get your mail if you are out of town.
Check out any change in mail delivery patterns. Thieves sometimes complete change of address forms for their victims.
Open all credit card, installment and mortgage loan statements. Know what your balances are and what charges you’ve made. Report any suspicious charges or activity.
Know your rights.
Be cautious when buying over the phone or internet.
The above list does not cover everything a person can do to safeguard their credit, but if you follow these steps you are off to a good start.
Margaret Norton, a Personal Life Coach/Writer/Speaker, resides in St. Peters, Missouri,
(photo credit: piper)
April 10th, 2009 by admin | Posted in Protecting Yourself | Comments (0)
The internet has drastically changed our lives. With a click of the mouse you can instantly communicate with someone across the continent. You can shop from the convenience of your home, any day or time of the week. Provide the pertinent information along with your credit card number and the product quickly arrives at your door. But along with this convenience and diversity in shopping comes many risks.
I grew up in a small town where everyone knew everyone. The grocery store on the corner allowed me to put food on my father’s tab without any verification from me. My father probably opened the account with his word only that he’d pay the bill. Individuals needing more money either worked a second job, accepted help from the community or did without. But today many dishonest individuals use the internet to steal the identity of others.
There are things you can do to protect yourself.
Purchase only from secured internet sites. Usually secure sites will tell you they are secure. You should also look for the closed lock icon at the bottom of the page.
Be cautious when allowing companies to store/keep your personal credit information for future purchases.
Be careful when reading emails, especially attachments and chain letters. If you don’t know the person or the company, don’t open the email. Thieves sometimes use chain letters and attachments as a way to verify your information and add more people to their hit list. Report any suspicious mail to your email provider.
Don’t fall for letters stating you’ve won a prize and need to do something - like deposit money in their account - to claim your prize.
Employment offers are another scheme infiltrating the internet today. There are numerous job sites with millions of resumes available to the wrong person. The thief usually sends you a letter offering you a job which matches the education and skills listed on your resume. The letter probably states you already have the job, the benefits are incredible and the salary is high. But before you start work they need you to complete an application. If you do that, they have all your personal information, and you probably do not have a job.
Use common sense to prevent internet identity fraud. If it sounds too good to be true, it’s probably a hoax. Keep copies of all your purchases, make copies of confirmations and receipts and always get a phone number.
Margaret Norton, a Personal Life Coach/Writer/Speaker, from St. Peters, Missouri.
April 9th, 2009 by admin | Posted in Protecting Yourself | Comments (0)
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