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Identity Theft Protection: Identity Theft 101 |
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Identity theft opens the door for someone to use your name
while committing crimes and opening accounts among other things. Identity theft
protection is a must in today's society.
With the emergence of new technologies, new markets and new
jobs; thieves have found a new commodity to steal. Your identity is worth a lot
of credit. Victims of identity theft have found it the hard way.
So, everyone should be concerned about identity theft
protection. Even though there is no one solution to guarantee your protection
against identity theft, there are ways to minimize your risk by wisely managing
your personal information.
Identity Theft Protection Tips
- Never
give out your personal information over the phone; it is common for scam
artists to pose as your financial institute and request information over
the phone.
- When
dealing with companies that need personal information such as social
security or tax file numbers, check that they will protect your privacy.
- Another
method of identity theft protection is to check your financial statements and ensure that all charges made are yours. Often times this goes
overlooked but can really be the first indicator of identity theft.
- Don't
carry unnecessary information on you in your purse or wallet. Make
photocopies of your passport, credit cards and bankcards to make it easier
for you if you lose them and need to cancel them.
- Putting
passwords on your credit card, phone accounts, and bank is another way of
identity theft protection. Use strong passwords on your accounts.
- Avoid
using easily available information like your birth date, the last four
digits of your Social Security number, your phone number, or your pet's or
your mother's maiden name.
Sadly, an identity thief may be someone you're
acquainted with, like a store clerk who would have personal knowledge of
such information.
- Keep
your ATM and Debit Card receipts. Don't throw them in a public trash can
or on the ground.
- Dispose
of any sensitive material cautiously, this may mean destroying documents
with personal information on them. You don't want your rubbish to reveal
personal information that could be used in identity theft.
- Do not
leave your mail out for an extended period of time. Have a neighbor or
friend pick it up if you will be gone for an extended amount of time.
The only means to be safe from the pain and anguish of
having loans accredited to your name is identity theft protection. Identity
theft protection requires a proactive approach.
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