How to Prevent Identity Fraud

Learn how to prevent identity fraud.

Is the stress of possible identity fraud weighing on you heavily? Stop stressing and take action. Listen closely and dedicate the next few moments of your time and you will be drastically more prepared to fight the battle against identity fraud.

Here are the top 5 tips on how to prevent identity fraud.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Preventing identity fraud can sometimes seem like a full time job. It can be impossible to keep the entirety of your personal information private, but protecting your credit card accounts can make a big difference. Apply a diverse yet memorable password to all your credit card accounts. All too often people use easy to hack passwords such as their address, birthday or mother's maiden name.
   
   This information can be found quite easily with the proper details. Use a password that is random and could only be known by yourself or a trusted loved one.

2. E-mail fraud and even phone marketing are common tools for internet fraud these days. You can do your part to prevent internet fraud by always questioning who you are talking to and why they need to know certain information.
   
   If you get an email requesting bank information, do not just fill it out and hit reply. Send a response questioning the reasoning to your bank manager and you will be well on your way to preventing identity fraud.

3. While it is impossible to keep all information private, do not make any personal numbers public. Do not give your credit card number over email or supply your bank account number over the phone. Also be sure to cut up past bank statements and credit card applications that you receive in the mail.

4. Consistently check your monthly bank statements and credit card balances. If you think your financial matters are in order and do not check your balances for a few months at a time you are much more prone to identity fraud. The sooner you notice an unusual charge, the more likely it is that you can block it or reverse the transaction.

5. Many people are unaware that the major credit bureaus are required by law to provide you with a free credit report. Inquire with a popular bureau about receiving a report at least once a year. This will keep you up to date with any suspicious activity and go a long way in preventing identity fraud.

6. Identity fraud can be a scary thing. However, if you protect yourself and take the proper precautions you will be much better equipped in preventing identity fraud.
   
   If you are still concerned about having your identity stolen, look into signing up with an identity fraud protection company. For more information, see the resources area below.

Resources

• Guard against ID Theft with 15 Points of Protection from TrustedID, including our $1,000,000 Warranty. Click Here!
• LifeLock Identity Theft Prevention Solution is backed by a one-million dollar guarantee! Click here to get a 10% discount.

[lighthouse1958]

on 10/25/2009 It seems we can't win for losing these days. We do everything possible and still he get hit. There needs to be stronger punishment for people who do this kind of thing. I believe you do the crime, you do the time. That's my motto. Great article and good info. thanks. 5*

[EarthMother]

on 8/5/2009 How to Prevent Identity Fraud was very insightful. Smile!