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Identity Theft Prevention: Identity Theft 101 |
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Approximately 246,000 cases of identity theft were filed
between January, 2004 and December, 2004 - a staggering increase of 52% since
2002. Statistics of victimization by age group revealed that anyone from 18 to
65 is fair game.
Identity Theft Prevention Tips
- Never
give your credit card number, social security number, or other personal
information over the phone, email or internet unless you are sure of the
other person's identity.
- Carry
only the identification information and the number of credit and debit
cards that you'll really need.
- Do not
carry your SSN card and keep your personal information in your home
secure, particularly if you have roommates, employ outside help or are
having service work done in your home.
- Another
identity theft protection tip is to guard your Social Security Number. It
can be used to open new accounts, credit cards, or even get a job in your
name.
- Pick
up bank checks from the bank rather than through mail.
- You
should be cautious while responding to promotions.
- Ask
about information security procedures in your workplace or at businesses,
doctor's offices, or other institutions that collect personally
identifying information from you.
- Monitor
your credit reports frequently. And also examine the charges on your
credit card and bank statements.
- Do not
print your Social Security or Driver's License number on you checks.
- Cancel
unused credit card accounts.
- To
prevent identity they don't open files that are from strangers.
- Remove
your name from the marketing lists of the three credit bureaus to reduce
the number of pre-approved credit offers you receive.
- Make
copies of the items in your wallet; in case your wallet or purse is stolen.
- To
prevent identity theft, do not leave mail with personal information in
your mailbox.
- Install
a firewall and antivirus software on your computer and protect your
personal information.
- Subscribe
to an identity theft prevention service that will notify you whenever
someone tries to assume your identity.
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