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Step 1
There are several important steps you can take to guard against identity theft. If someone steals your identity it can bring you a multitude of troubles, most notably financial ones. If you are smart with your personal information you can minimize your chances of falling victim to identity theft.
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Step 2
Shred your mail. Bank statements, credit card statements, virtually anything with your personal information should be shredded. Anything containing account numbers, passwords, or other sensitive documents should be destroyed after use.
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Step 3
Do not give out your social security number or any other personal information to someone who calls you on the phone. You don't necessarily know who's calling. That person on the line with the great low rate for an immediate balance transfer may not be who they say they are.
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Step 4
Avoid online scams such as phishing. This is where you are re-directed to a website that looks like its legitimate, but it is set up to fool you into giving up your account numbers or pin codes. You may think you are updating your credit card information on Paypal, but you are simply falling victim to a phishing scam. It happens that easy. Also avoid email scams like the Nigerian check cashing one. Nobody is going to email you with free money. Use common sense.
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Step 5
Stay on top of your credit reports. New consumer laws allow you to check your credit report for free once a year. There are 3 credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. There are links to do this in the resources section below.
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Step 6
Order a background check on yourself for free. Use the link in the resources section below. Make sure there are no mistakes, as this can not only hurt your credit, but also ruin your chances at getting a new job.
Comments
comboboss said
on 10/23/2009 Many people do have problems to remember their PINcode, especially when they have more than one.
Write down? Absolutely NOT! However, I have come up with a perfect solution.
Read more:
http:www.combibiz.com/page7.php
comboboss said
on 10/23/2009 Many people do have problems to remember their PINcode, especially when they have more than one.
Write down? Absolutely NOT! However, I have come up with a perfect solution.
Read more:
http:www.combibiz.com/page7.php
allamerican4you said
on 10/16/2009 This is great. I have heard that always using your middle initial is a good idea. It gives "would be" criminals another piece of your identity to potentially get wrong when they are attempting to pose as you. 5*
blackcoffee said
on 10/14/2009 Good advice. Shredding is important. Thanks
basswiz88 said
on 10/1/2009 thanks the tips are important these days