17 Ways to Prevent Identity Theft
Identity fraud can be devastating if you are a victim, but there are ways to prevent identity theft. By taking some simple precautions, you can greatly reduce the likely-hood that your good name and credit will be stolen. Just how do you prevent identity theft from happening to you? Read the following article for some pointers.
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Identity Theft Prevention Techniques
Follow these identity theft prevention strategies to minimize your risk of becoming a victim:
- Carry only the identification information and the number of credit and
debit cards that you'll actually need.
- Keep your personal information in your home secure, especially if you
have roommates, employ outside help or are having service work done in
your home.
- Guard your Social Security number. It can be used to open new
accounts, credit cards, or even get a job in your name.
- Cancel unused credit card accounts.
- Do not carry your SSN card; leave it in a secure place.
- Ask about information security procedures in your workplace or at
businesses, doctor's offices or other institutions that collect
personally identifying information from you.
- Order your credit report and monitor it often.
- Remove your name from the marketing lists of the
three credit bureaus to reduce the number of pre-approved credit offers
you receive.
- Buy a crosscut shredder. Shred all old bank and credit
statements and credit card offers before throwing them in the trash.
- Make copies of the contents of your wallet - in case
your wallet or purse is stolen.
- Do not leave mail with personal information in your mailbox.
- Never give your credit card number, social security number, or
other personal information over the phone unless you trust that
individual and/or business.
- Protect your personal information on your computer by installing a
firewall and updating your virus protection.
- Do not print your Social Security or Driver's License number on
your checks.
- Carefully examine the charges on your credit card and bank
statements.
- Subscribe to an identity
theft prevention service that will notify you whenever
someone tries to assume your identity.
- Place passwords on your credit card, bank, and phone accounts.
Article submitted by Identity Theft Prevention Guide. 10 million
victims in last 5 years...Don't be the next one. Visit: http://Identity-Theft-Prevention-Guide.com for more ways to prevent identity theft.
For more information on ways to prevent identity theft, read the
following articles:
Damage
Control for a Lost Wallet
Credit Monitoring For Fraud
Credit
Bureau Fraud Alerts
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