Identity Theft Protection

Being a victim of identity theft can be a hectic and frustrating experience.  There many be certain situations that you can not control that may lead to identity theft such as corrupt business people.  However, you can be proactive and take several steps that will lower your probability of falling victim to identity theft.

Tips on Identity Theft Protection

1.  Check Credit Report - Identity Theft.  Obtain a copy of your credit report every year and look for items that you were not aware of or that look odd.

Most states now require that each national consumer reporting bureau provide you a free credit report  once a year.  This is due to the changes to the Fair Credit Reporting Act.  However, it is very beneficial to spend a few dollars and sign up for a credit monitoring service that will alert you of any changes to your credit report.

When requesting your credit report you should ask to have it only display the last four digits of your social security number for extra safety.

2.  Another identity theft protection measure is to password protect your bank, telephone, and credit card accounts with a password that is not linked to you easily.  Passwords that you should not use are; birthdays, telephone numbers, consecutive letters or numbers, and most importantly never use your mother's maiden name. 

These type of passwords are too commonly used and the information is easily obtained.  When opening a bank account, make sure to ask them if you can choose your own password instead of using your mother's maiden name.  

3.  Use a paper shredder in your home when you are disposing of mail or old paperwork.  Home paper shredders are relatively inexpensive and can prevent someone from finding private information if they were to go through your trash.  You can never be too cautious.

4.  Keep any papers that contain personal information in your home securely stored, preferably inside a locked file cabinet or safe.  This is especially important if you employ someone in your home such as a maid or a babysitter. 

Identity theft protection also extends to your workplace.  Store any personal information that may be at your workplace or office just as secure as you would at home.  It never hurts to ask your employer what measures they are taking to keep your private information safe and secure.

ID Theft Protection Quick Tips

• Do not use your social security number as your drivers license number.
• Memorize your social security number and do not carry your card with you.
• Take mail directly to the post office when mailing anything that contains personal information
• Switch from paper statements to electronic statements