In today’s world of computers, credit card numbers and easy transactions, a door has opened up to a whole new kind of crime. Stealing your identity in order to use your good name and open up accounts. Not only could you lose money, you can lose your hard earned credit score.
Protect yourself with these easy tips:
1. Limit what you carry. Clean out your wallet, eliminating any piece of identity or credit card you rarely use.
2. Watch your incoming and outgoing mail diligently. Always use a neighbor or place your mail on hold when you go on vacation. Never place your outgoing mail in your home mailbox, always deliver right to the post office.
3. Look over your shoulder at the ATM. Never take cash out if the situation feels uncomfortable in any way.
4. Keep all your customer service numbers for bank accounts and credit cards in one easy to find place. If your wallet or purse is ever stolen or misplaced, report the loss immediately.
5. Never click on any link in an unsolicited email, even if it appears to be from your bank. Pick up the phone and call them instead.
6. Check your credit report annually, ensuring you receive copies from all three major credit report bureaus. Look over all the entries with a fine toothed comb and ensure they are all legitimate.
7. Guard your Social Security Number. This simply little number holds great power, so keep in under lock and key. Only provide it to organizations you trust and only when absolutely necessary – like to get a new job. Never carry the number around with you!
8. Never provide personal information from a phone solicitation. Even if the caller appears to be a representative from your credit card company or similar organization, you don’t really know for sure. If pressed, tell the caller you will call them back at the customer service number you possess to verify.
Related Articles:
*Protecting Your Kids From ID Theft
*Top 5 Reasons to Never Buy Credit Protection Insurance