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Protect Yourself Against ID Theft

Have you ever had anyone achieve something by using you or your name? This might sound like a rarity, but I happens more than you think, it happens in the form of Identity Theft. I ran across a brochure from the Federal Trade Commission about this, and it provides very helpful tips that help someone’s identity remain untouched by unlawful hands.

How Does Identity Theft Occur?

…dumpster diving for papers with people’s personal information.

…stealing credit and debit card numbers by using special devices when your card is being processed.

…sending spam or pop up messages in order to get you to input your information.

…submitting a “change of address” form and redirecting your mail.

…pickpocketing, snatching purses, robbing your mail box, stealing employee records, etc.

Keep you identity safe by:

…shredding any and all documents with personal information.

…safeguarding you Social Security Number. Only use it when absolutely necessary.

…never providing personal information over the phone, internet or mail unless you are certain who is at the receiving end.

…never clicking on email links (solicited or not), instead type them in your browser. Always use updated virus protection and firewalls.

…using complicated passwords, refrain from using dates of birth, names or the last four digits of your Social Security Number.

…at home, keeping personal documents and information under lock and key, specially if you employ outside services, have roommates or are having work done in your home.

Detect Fraudulent Activity by:

…looking into bills that do not arrive when supposed to.

…investigating unexpected credit cards/lines and/or account statements.

…credit denials for no reason.

…notifications about purchases you did not make.

…examining your credit report.

…checking financial statements for unauthorized charges.

Defend Yourself by:

…implementing “Fraud Alert” on your credit reports, so that creditors follow certain procedures before changes are made to your accounts or when new accounts are opened in your name.

…closing fraudulent/compromised accounts and contacting the fraud department of the company that provided you with said account.

…filing police reports in order to provide creditors proof of the crime.

…reporting the fraud to the Federal Trade Commission.

For more information visit: www.ftc.gov/idtheft

Technorati Tags: Identity Theft, Federal Trade Commission, dumpster diving, spam, pop up messages, Social Security Number, change of address, skimming, phishing, stealing, unauthorized charges, fraud, Fraud Alert

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