7 Steps To Protecting Yourself From Identity Theft
Shred all documents that contain your personal information. Personal information is still gathered from the trash by thieves, so take caution and shred your credit card statements, bank statements, medical bills, 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.
Guard your social security number, and keep your card in a permanent place. Do not carry your social security card on it, and do not use this number on any papers that can be easily 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 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.
Don’t give your personal information over the telephone. If someone calls you, inquire about their reason for calling and ask what company they represent, even if it’s a call from your bank or financial institution. Return their call at a number you know is legitimate to verify the call before giving them the 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.
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