Tips to Avoiding Identity Theft
Identity theft cases are on the rise. With today’s economy taking a turn for the worse, more individuals are turning to identity theft to get what they need. Therefore it is especially important that you know how to protect your identity from this growing trend.
Shoulder Surfers
Often your identity can be stolen with something as simple as someone looking over your shoulder. Before using the ATM or signing a credit card receipt, take notice of those around you and ensure that no one is close enough to steal any personal information in the process.
Photo ID Verification
Instead of signing the back of your credit cards, require that merchants check for ID by writing “See ID” on the back of your card. This is not always a sure-fire way, however. Many merchants rarely check the back of your credit card to begin with.
Shred Anything and Everything
If a document has your name on it, then it should be shredded. This can include credit card receipts, statements, bills, and even junk mail.
Digital Data
Anytime you discard a computer, personal device, DVD, CD, etc they all contain your personal information. Prior to disposing of these items you need to destroy any personal information that may be contained on them by cutting them, breaking them or shattering it.
Check Your Statements Regularly
When a statement comes in the mail or over email, read over it carefully and thoroughly. Check for any inconsistencies, even if they are extremely minor. Match up records with credit card statements and bank statements to ensure that no one has accessed your accounts.
Pay Bills at the Post Office
Instead of placing your outgoing mail and bills in your mailbox at home, swing by the local Post Office and drop them off directly. By leaving mail in your mailbox at home you run the risk of looters taking that mail from it without your knowledge.
Check Information
When you get a new checkbook you have the option of placing your name, address, email, phone number and even driver’s license and social security numbers on your checks. Instead of placing this sensitive information for the world to see right on your checks, limit it to your first initial and last name and only your address.
Credit Reports
Every year you have access to your credit reports free of charge. As a consumer you should take great advantage of that and analyze them completely AT LEAST once per year. Utilize services such as annualcreditreport.com to gain access to your annual credit reports from TransUnion, Equifax and Experian.
Online Businesses
Never conduct business or purchase from a company you do not know anything about. Research how long they have been around, reviews online, etc. prior to actually handing over your personal information. Though there are a lot of legitimate online businesses available, there are some that have the sole purpose of stealing your personal information and your identity.