Tips on Keeping Your Identity Safe
One in every 10 Americans has been affected by identity theft, according to the SpendOnLife.com website. Identity theft occurs when someone else uses your personal identifying information for any reason, including to get a driver's license, get credit in your name, make charges to your credit card, open a bank account or clone your debit card to use your money. To find out if you have been victimized by identity theft, you need to review your bank statements, bills and your credit report for fraudulent activity. If you become a victim of identity theft, you need to file a police report and a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. There are some things you can do to help prevent identity theft.
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Destroy Documents
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Shred documents that you no longer need. Any mailings, bills or records that you no longer need that contain your personal or banking information need to be shredded. If you do not have a shredder at home, you may have one at work that you can use. If not, cut the documents into small enough pieces to ensure they cannot be put back together to steal your identity.
Use an Antivirus Software
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Use an antivirus software program that scans your computer for viruses that can steal your personal information. Viruses can hack passwords, your name and credit card information. Antivirus software continually scans your computer for viruses to ensure your identity is not jeopardized.
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Do Not Carry Your Social Security Card
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Do not carry your social security card with you. If your wallet is taken, then your social security number is available for the thief to apply for credit in your name. Keep your social security card at home in a safe place for you to use for business transactions when needed. If health insurance cards or voter registration cards, include your social security number, do not carry them with you either.
Secure Your Mail
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Get a post office box because it is more secure than a mailbox. If you cannot afford a post office box, you can still keep your mail secure if you are going to be out of town. You can ask the post office to hold your mail until you return home. This helps reduce the chances that someone may steal your mail with your personal information from your mailbox.
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