It may not be really possible to completely protect yourself from the possibility of Identity Theft; however there are steps you can take to lessen the probability. Identity thieves are very clever, the scams they use are many, and mimic current events, charities, and many legitimate organizations. They are expert at posing as people you have been conditioned to trust such as bank officers, credit company reps, police agencies, clergy, Internet service providers (ISPs), or even government agencies to get people to reveal their Social Security number, mother's maiden name, account numbers, and other identifying information.
1. The first step is to be aware of the need to take charge of protecting yourself from Identity Theft. If you cannot for some reason perform these simple steps, you can and should contract with one of the services that will do it for you. (Google – Identity Theft Services)
2. Buy and use a quality cross cut document shredder. You should form the habit of shredding any document, old credit cards or computer media that you throw in the trash, this should also include junk mail.
3. Form the habit of never opening any email that you are not 100% sure of who the sender was. If you receive any email that purports to be from any organization asking for any personal information, you should contact that organization via phone, letter or an email address that you know goes to that organization. Never click the links provided in the email. If you initiate contact with an organization, enter the URL by typing it into your browser or using your favorites or bookmarks list, do not copy and paste a URL that was sent to you via email. Many “phishing” email messages are circulating that look very real, but they are not, no reputable organization will contact you via email asking for personal information.
4. Contact each of the three (3) credit reporting companies and ask that fraud alerts be placed on your credit information. This requires that no information be given out without your express approval each time it is requested. Frauds alerts are a no cost service; however they are only valid for 90 days and must be requested every 90 days.
5. Be sure that your home phone numbers are listed on national and state no call lists, these also must be renewed regularly.
6. You can, and should, opt of receiving prescreened offers of credit in the mail; thieves do steal mail from residential mailboxes. They can validate those pre approved cards and have you deep in debt very quickly. Call: 1-888-5-OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688). Note: You will be asked to provide your Social Security number which the consumer reporting companies need to match you with your file.
7. You should replace your standard residential mailbox with a quality locking mail box; there are several available that are approved by USPS. Keep in mind that locks are really intended to keep honest people honest, if they really want in they still can pry them open, however the usual junkie who will steal mail won’t take the time and will just move on to the next non-locking mail box. Outgoing mail should be deposited in a USPS post box, or other secure mail drop instead of being placed in your mail box for pick up.
8. Do not respond to any telephone solicitations, especially those that are asking for any personal information. A good habit to get into is never give any personal information over the phone unless you initiated the contact. If anyone ever asks you for money upfront to get a prize or award of any kind, contact your local law enforcement agency.
9. Remove your Social Security Card from your wallet or purse. You should also limit the credit cards you carry. Record all of your credit card numbers and the phone numbers and keep them in a secure place. The number to report a stolen or lost card is sometimes printed on the back of your credit card.
10. If you ever suspect that anyone has obtained any of your personal information, or has ever used your personal information, without your express approval. Contact a law enforcement agency. Many of the legal protections you are entitled to will not take effect without an Identity Theft report filed with a law enforcement agency.
Author Resource:-
Jim Newell publishes http://www.Stop-IdentityTheft101.com, a website offering free expert information and resources for keeping your personal information private.
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