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Society > Crime > Identity Theft > Preventing Identity Theft > More Tips for Identity Theft Prevention
More Tips for Identity Theft Prevention
Submitted 2005-12-12 09:31:57 by psiolent
Rating: 0 (0 votes) | 644 Views
Section: Preventing Identity Theft
An article details some important tips for preventing identity theft:
Memorize important identification numbers you may have to use from time to time (Social Security number, account passwords, personal identification or PIN numbers, etc.).
In other words, don't carry these numbers with you where someone could find them out if they stole your purse or wallet.
Be conscious of shoulder surfers (people literally looking over your shoulder) when using or inputting credit information (such as PIN numbers) at ATMs and debit card machines.
This is one we don't see a lot in lists of identity theft prevention tips, but it is a good one to keep in mind. When I'm at an ATM, I like to pretend to push about 10 or 20 buttons, with several false buttons between the actual buttons (but not actually activating them).
Only give your Social Security number, name and/or date of birth over the phone or via the Internet to companies or businesses that you know and trust, or, if it’s a new company, that you have initiated contact with.
Also, don't give any such information over the net unless the website you're at starts with an https:// instead of just an http://.
Limit the number of credit cards you have, only carry one or two in your wallet or purse, and cancel credit accounts you don’t use.
If you have more than a couple credit cards, perhaps you should look into debt management.
Check your credit card statements and phone bills carefully for unauthorized use.
Always do this. Not just to look for identity theft but also to keep these companies honest.
Keep canceled checks in a safe and secure place. When ordering new checks, follow up to make certain you receive them.
Another one we don't see too often, but a valuable tip.
If you’re expecting a new (or reissued) credit card, watch your mail, and if you don’t receive the card in a timely fashion, contact the credit card company issuing the card.
Also, watch out for credit cards arriving that you didn't order. If this happens, call the issuing company immediately and report and cancel it. This has happened to me a few times because of mistakes by the credit card company. If I had just thrown it away and someone found it, it would be very bad.
Finally, get a copy of your credit report once per year from each of the three major credit reporting agencies to make certain no suspicious credit activity is being conducted under your name.
I just recently did this, and you should too if you haven't yet. You can get a free credit report once a year from each of the main reporting agencies. There are many websites that will consolidate this effort for you so you don't have to contact each company individually. |
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