Identity Theft - the 10 Best Tips You Can Use Right Now!

We’ve all heard horror stories about fraud that’s committed by someone stealing a name, address, Social Security number or credit card. Here are 10 suggestions you can take to help protect yourself.

1. The next time you order checks, have only your initials (instead of your first name) and last name put on them. If someone takes your checkbook, they won’t know if you sign your checks with just your initials or your first name, but your bank will know how you sign your checks.

2. When you are writing checks to pay your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the “For” line. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won’t have access to it.

3. Put your work phone number on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a PO Box, use that instead of your home address. If you don’t have a PO Box, use your work address.

4. Never have your Social Security number or driver’s license number printed on your checks. You can add it if it is necessary. But if you have it printed, anyone can get it.

5. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. It’s also a good idea to carry a photocopy of your passport when traveling abroad.

6. For couples or friends traveling together - each of you should carry a different, unique credit card. For example, one of you could carry a Visa card and one of you a Discover card. Don’t both carry the same credit card! That way if one of you has their credit card stolen, you still have a valid credit card to use and aren’t completely without funds while you are traveling.

7. Another tip for couples or friends traveling together - each of you should carry the other person’s photo copies of their credit cards and passport. If someone steals your wallet or purse, your traveling companion still has copies of all your information.

8. When you’re reading email, don’t click on any of the links listed in the email message. No matter how tempting the offer is! This is a way ‘phishers’ use to direct you to their website and capture your credit card and personal information.

9. We are told to cancel our credit cards immediately. But the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep these numbers where you can find them separate from your credit cards.

10. File a police report immediately in the city where your credit cards, purse or wallet were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation.

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Identity theft is a growing problem in the United States, occurring in small towns and cities alike. Identity theft, as defined by the federal government, refers to the use of another person’s identity or identification to commit crime. Most often, the identity thief uses a person’s identity to rob him or her blind, using credit cards or cash to purchase whatever they want.

How often does identity theft occur? Identity theft often occurs from stolen pieces of paper. Wallets are often stolen, and the combination of ID and credit cards can be used to steal one’s identity. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center; studies from 2003 show that 7 million people suffered from identity theft within a twelve month period of time, equaling approximately 13.3 people per minute.

There are many things that you can do to keep yourself from experiencing identity theft. One of the first things you can do is protect your social security number. Do not get it printed on checks or on your driver’s license. Next, purchase a paper shredder. Once you’ve purchased it, put it together, plug it in, and use it! When in doubt, don’t toss it out. Shred it! Shred anything with your social security number, name and address, or any other pertinent information on it. In addition, keep a close watch on your checking account and credit card statements. Report anything unusual as soon as possible.

Another place where information can and often is stolen is through the internet. Be sure to protect your password and learn how to place password protection on any documents you feel need secured. Invest in a firewall to keep other computers from accessing your internet connection.

In addition to this, beware of WiFi. WiFi enables individuals to log onto the internet with their laptops at various “hot spots” like coffee houses and restaurants. While convenient, it is imperative that you understand that others are on the same connection with others and thefts can takes place. Avoid checking your bank account information or even logging into your e-mail while on this type of internet connection.

Sara Chambers is a marketing consultant and an internet content manager for
http://www.identitytheftweblog.com

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But identity theft, which credit card companies such as the aforementioned are trying to thwart, is anything but humorous. It’s a crime that ruins people financially, personally and professionally, often taking years to recover from.

And while credit card companies and the like are doing their best to make it difficult for these thieves to succeed, the Federal Trade Commission’s 2005 statistics on complaints filed about fraud and identity theft offer some sobering statistics:

• 37 percent of the 686,683 complaints filed were for identity theft
• 255,565 complaints were received by the Federal Trade Commission in 2005, nearly 10,000 more than the previous year
• People between the ages of 18 and 29 account for the highest number of identity theft victims (29 percent)
• Arizona reported the highest number of identity theft victims (per 100,000 population)
• 58 percent of identity theft victims did not report the theft to a Credit Reporting Agency
• 61 percent of victims did not notify a police department
• The highest incidence of identity theft occurred with credit card fraud (26 percent)

Clearly, identity theft remains a huge problem in America. However, with the help of the electronic guide, you can learn how to avoid pitfalls that lead to identity theft, or, if you’re a victim, how to get your finances back in order.

With the electronic guide, you’ll learn exactly what identity theft is and what it is not, why identity thieves prowl after unsuspecting victims, how to detect identity theft early, ways in which to avoid common mistakes that lead to identity theft, what kinds of people are at “high-risk” for identity theft, what to do with your personal information when dealing with people you don’t know, how identity thieves choose their victims and much, much more!

http://www.infostormpublishing.com/ebooks/?bk=7

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