How to Prevent Identity Theft
June 11, 2009 – 10:04 pm
Protecting your identity can be costly, and it has cost Americans more than $52 billion every year. As identity criminals become more cunning and clever with technology, it’s harder to know the good guys from the bad guys. So it’s better to be wary of everyone and try to think ahead before you throw your belongings in the trash or order a new product online. Below are some tips that can prevent the wrong people from getting a hold of your personal information.
Some credit card statements include your entire account number while others list the last four digits, but you still shouldn’t skip the shredder. All bank statements, deposit receipts, credit card statements and other documents containing sensitive information should be shredded before going into the garbage. One of the top important numbers you should never let anyone have is your social security number. Sometimes insurers, colleges, etc. refer to your social security number to pull up your file, but ask if another number can be used instead. Always remember that you can learn a lot from someone just by rifling through his/her trash.
Not only do you have to be aware of potential identity thieves in the real world, but you also have to dodge hackers online. If you prefer virtual shopping, purchase items on secure websites only. At the bottom of a secure website, you might find a locked graphic and the site’s URL will have an “http” in front of it. Also, if you have personal files on your computer, an obscure password with letters and numbers is another preventative measure. Lastly, keep your anti-virus and anti-spyware software up to date.
An easy way to check for identity theft once a year is to request your free annual credit report. The report will give you a chance to verify your accounts, so if you notice new and unfamiliar ones, check into them immediately.
When it comes to your mail, take it out of your mailbox as soon as possible. Although it’s a federal crime to tamper with someone’s mail, people still do it. It’s also wise to take sensitive mail to the post office for mailing so it doesn’t sit in your mailbox. If you’re leaving for a long business trip or vacation, have the post office hold your mail.
In February 2008, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission reported the following percentages of identity theft by the age of the consumer: 18-29 (28%), 30-39 (23%), 40-49 (19%) and 50-59 (13%). The report proves that anyone’s identity can be comprised, so it’s beneficial to prepare for the worst and hope your diligence keeps your personal information concealed.
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Tags: free credit report, online hackers, prevent identity theft, protect your personal information, stop identity criminals