How to Avoid Becoming An Identity Theft Victim

As the advancement of technology makes our lives easier, it also makes it easier for someone to steal our identity. Here are some simple steps to take to avoid having your identity stolen.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Request your credit reports once every year. This takes very little time to do.
2. Put paperwork with personal information on it in a locked cabinet or safe. If the papers contain sensitive information such as your social security number or account numbers, keep it under lock and key.
3. Preapproved credit card applications can be like gold to someone trying to steal your identity. Calling 888-567-8688 allows you to cancel receiving these offers.
4. If you would not want someone to have the information, shred it. Buying something as simple as a cross cut shredder can save you a tremendous amount of hassle. Tearing the information by hand is no longer good enough. Thieves will have no problem digging through your trash to get what they want.
5. Doing banking and paying bills by computer is more the norm today then to write checks. Keep your security software up to date. Make sure to completely log out of the site after you are finished, and if possible immediately clear all of your private data.
6. When using your credit card at a restaurant or store, if possible swipe it yourself. If a dishonest employee gets their hands on your card, they could use a skimmer. A skimmer will download the personal information associated with the card, send it to a personal computer and allow the thief to have access to your information and have their own personal internet shopping spree.
7. Avoid file-share and file-swapping. You open your computer up to hackers.
8. Be wary of phishing emails. These emails may look like they come from a reputable company such as your bank or PayPal and include a link for you to click which takes you to a site that looks almost identical to the legitimate site. They ask you to confirm personal information such as your account number or social security number. Reputable companies never do this. Should you receive such an email, do not click on any links. Contact the site or company directly immediately.
9. Register for your states "Do Not Call" list. It puts your name on a deletion list that is used by telemarketers so they are no longer allowed to call you.
10. Used a locked mailbox if possible. All a thief needs to see is that you have mail in an open mailbox. When you are away on vacation, put all of your mail on hold.
11. Every month review all of your bills including phone bill, bank statements and credit card statements for unauthorized use.
12. Never have the bank mail checks to your home. Pick them up at the bank.