PROTECTION TIPS
Scammers do not want to work hard to get your personal information. If they wanted to work they would find a real job! The following tips will help make your information more secure and help deter would be thieves:
Order a credit report often.
You are entitled to a free credit report every year from EACH of the three major credit reporting agencies. It may be a good idea to order a report every 4 months from one of the agencies. This way you can have a “fresh” report often. When you receive your report, you should not only look for problems on the report but also make yourself aware of each extension of credit you have and make sure your balances match what your own records show.
TIP: If you have late or unpaid fees on a credit card you were not aware of, this could be an indication of someone stealing your mail.
Keep your Social Security Card safe
DO NOT carry your card with you. DO NOT carry anything with you that has your Social Security number written on it. DO NOT give your Social Security number to anyone that you are not 100% sure about (ex. banks, government). Also, never give your number over the phone unless you made the contact and only then with a trusted agency.
Opt out of pre-approved credit card offers.
his gives thieves less of a chance to get a credit card in your name. Call 1-888-567-8688 or go to www.optoutprescreen.com to opt out of pre-approved offers.
Use a paper shredder.
Use a cross cut paper shredder for anything you throw away that has ANY personal information on it. Thieves can and will use any information they can get their hands on.
Do not leave receipts behind when you pay with a credit card.
Even though the receipt may not have enough information by itself, it is another piece of information a thief can use.
Use a bank lock box or personal safe.
Use bank lock boxes for important documents you don’t need access to on a regular basis. Things such as Social Security cards, Birth certificates, and loan documents should be kept in a lock box. If you need access to your documents, keep them in a personal safe where only you have access to them.
Install a locking mailbox - Don’t give thieves a chance to steal your mail.
Have your checks mailed to the bank or a post office box.
This will ensure that your checks will not be stolen from your mailbox.
Make sure you have a full security suite on your computer.
This includes Anti-virus, Anti-Spyware, Firewall, and maybe even Anti-Spam. Keep all of these current with updates.
Protect your date.
If you store confidential data on your computer, make sure it is password protected.
Use strong passwords.
Don’t use mother’s maiden name, dogs name, etc... Use passwords with upper and lower case characters, numbers, and symbols.
There is no way to make yourself immune to identity theft. However, if you take steps to protect yourself you will be much safer.
back to previous page
|
