7 Steps To Protecting Yourself From Identity Theft
Destroy all documents that contain personal information. Thieves still gather personal information used identity theft from the trash so be sure to shred everything you throw away that contains any personal information about you. This includes credit card statements, bank statements, etc.
Empty your mail box quickly. Don't give identity thieves the opportunity to steal personal documents form your mail box, empty it every day as soon as possible. You can also get a PO Box or locking mail box for added security. You should also never mail bills or letters containing personal checks from home as they can be stolen too.
Keep your social security number safe. Don't carry your social security card around with you or any other card that has your number on it. Don't use your number on checks or bills that can be stolen.
Consider a lock box or safety deposit box for your social security card. Burglars often steal personal information and use it for identity theft in the future.
Keep track of your bank, ATM, and store receipts. If you've used a credit card to pay for something, your receipt contains information that could be used for identity theft.
Never let your credit card out of your sight. If you can't keep see your credit card, pay with cash or check, or instead of giving your card to a restaurant employee, pay the bill yourself.
Don't give personal information out to callers. Even if a call from your bank of financial institution seems legitimate, don't give them information. Find out the reason for the call and what company they represent and then call them back on a number you know is legitimate to give them information.
Ask to be removed from junk mail lists. The inconvenience of receiving hundreds of junk mail offers will be removed, and you will be saved the potential problem of having credit card offers stolen from your mail box.
Empty your mail box quickly. Don't give identity thieves the opportunity to steal personal documents form your mail box, empty it every day as soon as possible. You can also get a PO Box or locking mail box for added security. You should also never mail bills or letters containing personal checks from home as they can be stolen too.
Keep your social security number safe. Don't carry your social security card around with you or any other card that has your number on it. Don't use your number on checks or bills that can be stolen.
Consider a lock box or safety deposit box for your social security card. Burglars often steal personal information and use it for identity theft in the future.
Keep track of your bank, ATM, and store receipts. If you've used a credit card to pay for something, your receipt contains information that could be used for identity theft.
Never let your credit card out of your sight. If you can't keep see your credit card, pay with cash or check, or instead of giving your card to a restaurant employee, pay the bill yourself.
Don't give personal information out to callers. Even if a call from your bank of financial institution seems legitimate, don't give them information. Find out the reason for the call and what company they represent and then call them back on a number you know is legitimate to give them information.
Ask to be removed from junk mail lists. The inconvenience of receiving hundreds of junk mail offers will be removed, and you will be saved the potential problem of having credit card offers stolen from your mail box.
About the Author:
Is your PC secure enough? Find out what you should be doing to keep it safe from viruses, spyware and other online security threats at the Online Security Toolkit website. Visit http://www.onlinesecuritytoolkit.com for more tips & info.
posted by catlover @ 9:40 PM
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