How to Use Dye to Prevent Identity Theft
In an age of electronic identification and transactions, identity theft is becoming alarmingly common. Millions of instances of identity theft occur each year, and billions of dollars are lost. This crime happens when an individual deceptively uses another person's personal information for personal gain. While some identity theft takes place during online transactions, the vast majority occurs in other situations. Some of these situations include bank, credit card and utilities fraud. Many of those who commit this crime often do so against someone they know. Be sure to take steps to protect yourself from becoming a victim of identity theft.
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Instructions
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Protecting Yourself Against Identity Theft
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Protect your mail. Drop important documents and bills at the post office rather than placing them in a curbside mailbox or work place mail container. Use a locked mailbox with a slot at home. When traveling, notify the post office and have them hold your mail or ask a trusted individual to collect it daily until you return.
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Guard online transactions. Check to see who may be watching when you enter your personal identification number while using a debit card. Shield the keypad with your hand as you enter your access code. Only use a secure website when participating in online banking or shopping transactions.
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Maintain credit security. Check your credit report at least once a year to make sure there isn't any unexplained activity. Shred old documents containing personal financial information along with any credit card offers. Cancel credit cards you no longer use. Only give out credit card information over secure websites or secure phone lines; make sure no one is eavesdropping when you use a phone to give out your information.
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Protect your bank account. Carefully examine monthly statements and monitor your account online through a secure server to detect suspicious activity. Use direct deposit and traveler's checks rather than personal checks.
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Guard personal information. Do not carry written passwords with you; memorize them. Only give out personal information such as your social security number when absolutely necessary, and when you know the recipient is a trusted, legitimate entity. Remove and destroy the hard drive of your computer before you trash it or donate it.
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Protect your personal belongings. Store important documents such as social security cards and insurance documents in a safe place at home. Purchase a lock box or other secure storage system for such documents. Carry your car registration in your purse or wallet, rather than storing it in the car. Never leave your wallet or purse in your car, even if you lock it. Carry your purse close to your body or your wallet in a front pocket to guard against pick-pocket thieves.
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