You can never be completely safeguarded from Identity Theft. You should, however,
minimize your exposure to it.
Follow these simple steps and protect yourself and your family.
1. Carry
only the identification information and the number of credit and debit cards that you'll actually need.
2. Keep your
personal information in your home
secure, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help or are having service work done in your home.
3. Guard your
Social Security number. It can be used to open new accounts, credit cards, or even get a job in your name.
4. Cancel
unused credit card accounts.
5.
Do not carry your SSN card; leave it in a secure place.
6. Ask about information
security procedures in your workplace or at businesses, doctor's offices or other institutions that collect
personally identifying information from you.
7. Order your
credit report and monitor it often.
8.
Remove your name from the marketing lists of the three credit bureaus to reduce the number of pre-approved credit offers you receive.
9. Buy a
crosscut shredder. Shred all old bank and credit statements and credit card offers before throwing them in the trash.
10.
Make copies of the contents of your wallet - in case your wallet or purse is stolen.
11.
Do not leave mail with personal information in your mailbox.
12.
Never give your credit card number, social security number, or other personal information over the phone
unless you trust that individual and/or business.
13. Protect your personal information on your computer by
installing a firewall and updating your
virus protection.
14.
Do not print your Social Security or Driver's License number on your checks.
15.
Carefully examine the charges on your credit card and
bank statements.
16. Subscribe to an
identity theft prevention service that will notify you whenever someone tries to assume your identity.
17.
Place passwords on your credit card, bank, and phone accounts.
This Article Provided By:
http://Identity-Theft-Prevention-Guide.com