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How to protect yourself from Identity Theft

It’s bad enough that at times companies we do business may compromise our personal data, but what is worst, sometimes we are the ones that does the damage to ourselves. There are things you can do to help protect yourself wherever you may be.

At Home

Keep your personal information safe. Don’t carry your social security number on your person or store it on your computer. Wallets are stolen all of the time and we all know of the dangers of computer viruses and other Trojan horses. You also don’t want to have PIN (Personal Identification Number) near your checkbook or ATM cards.

Shred papers that may have confidential information. This includes applications for credit cards that may come to you in the mail.

Be aware of any emails, telephone call or Internet request for information. Unless you start the contact do not give out information such as credit card numbers, social security number, PIN’s or birthdates. A common security measure for years has been your mother’s maiden name. Protect that as well.

Check banking and credit card statements as soon as you receive them for any unexplained activity.

Check your credit reports.

Out of the house

Do not put information such as drivers’ license numbers on credit card receipts. Take copies with you to shred at home.

Your social security is needed by very few businesses, always asked for the reason they need it and be certain you understand their reason before giving it. If they refuse to do business with you without that information, maybe it’s best that you don’t.

One of the newest trends is identity thief at the work place. Find out the policy about protecting its employees and that data is stored securely. Also find out who may have access to your personal information.

What do you do if you think you have become a victim?

Contact the police to file a report. This does two things, one is to start an investigation and the second is you may need the police report to help straighten things.

Stop the damage.
Contact the three credit bureaus and inform them.
Contact credit card companies and banks.

Additional information can be found at http://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs17a.htm

and

http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/fraud/text/idtheft.html

Be prepared.

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