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.
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 protection service which 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 the last 5 years...Don't be the next one.
For more information on ways to prevent identity theft, read the
following articles:
Who Commits Identity Theft
How Does Identity Theft Occur
Damage
Control for a Lost Wallet
Credit Monitoring For Fraud
Credit
Bureau Fraud Alerts
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