7 Steps For Preventing 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.
It is very important that your social security number stay private and safe. Carrying your social security card or other cards displaying the number would be unwise. You can also protect yourself by not writing your number on bills or checks that could fall into the wrong hands.
Home invaders often steal useful personal information when breaking and entering. Knowing this, the importance of storing your social security card in a safe or lock box becomes apparent.
Don’t leave receipts lying around. Never leave receipts behind at the bank, ATM or store. If you used a card to pay for something take the receipt with you as it contains information that can potentially be used for identity theft.
Never let your credit card out of your site. It is becoming increasingly common for employees of stores and restaurants to make copies of cards while they are away form their owners. If you can’t keep track of your card pay with cash or check, or at restaurants pay the bill yourself instead of giving your car an employee.
Even though a phone call may seem very professional, you should never ever tell callers any personal information that could be easily used to steal your identity. If the call seems to be from your bank, try to determine why they have called you and then have them offer you a number to call them back at.
You should only respond to junk mail if you are going to be taken off of their mailing list. It would be best to avoid junk mail as much as possible. That way, credit card offers can’t be stolen from your mailbox and the amount of undesired junk mail you receive will be minimized.
Filed under: Security