Minimize the Risk of Identity Theft
Most thieves are determined and being able to prevent
identity theft altogether may be nearly impossible, however you can minimize the risk of identity theft. By managing your personal information wisely and cautiously while maintaining an awareness of the issue you can help protect against identity theft.
Protect yourself from Identity Theft
To begin with you need to see if there is any information that is incorrect or suspicious under your name. You can do this by ordering a copy of your credit report from the three credit bureaus; Equifax, Experian, TransUnion. Your credit report contains information on where you work and live, the credit accounts that have been opened in your name, how you pay your bills and whether you’ve been sued, arrested or filed for bankruptcy. Look over your reports checking to see if it only includes activities that you have authorized and accuracy.
Additional Tips for Preventing Identity Theft
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Lock up personal information that is in your home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or having service work done in your home.
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Put passwords on your credit cards and bank accounts. Don’t use information that is easily obtainable like your SSN, date of birth, or phone number. An example of a strong password is “WaPT^2o”. Really try to mix it up and put them in a safe place.
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Each year get a copy of your credit report from all three major credit bureaus and check for accuracy and suspicious activity. By checking your report on a regular basis you can catch mistakes and fraud before they wreak havoc on your personal finances.
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Avoid giving personal information out over the phone, through the mail, or the internet unless you are sure you know who you are dealing with. Before you share any personal information, confirm you are dealing with a legitimate organization.
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Watch your mail for any signs of problems. Outgoing mail should be put in secure post office boxes instead of your unsecured mailbox. Daily check your mail and remove it from your mailbox.
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Know that identity thieves may pick through your garbage looking for personal information to use. Shred information that contains personal and financial information.
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Don’t carry your SSN in your purse or wallet; leave it in a secure place.
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Only give your SSN when necessary. Ask to use other types of identification when possible.
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Pay attention to your billing cycles. Check with your creditors if your bills don’t arrive as they normally do.
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Keep your purse and wallet in a safe place.
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Be wary of promotional scams. Identity thieves may use phony offers to get your personal information.
- Protect your computer from
identity theft by keeping your virus protection software updated, use a firewall, and don’t download files sent to you by strangers or click on hyperlinks from people you don’t know. If you are passing personal or financial information over the internet use a secure browser
Using common sense and being careful can go a long way in protecting yourself from identity theft. You may not always be able to prevent it but by monitoring your personal and financial information on a regular basis you can catch and fix problems before they ruin your good name.
Finance and Money Resources
The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness
The Ultimate Depression Survival Guide: Protect Your Savings, Boost Your Income, and Grow Wealthy Even in the Worst of Times
Bank on Yourself: The Life-Changing Secret to Growing and Protecting Your Financial Future
Rich Dad, Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money--That the Poor and the Middle Class Do Not!
Maverick Money Makers - The Club
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