15
7 ways on How to Prevent Identity Theft
Category: software1.)Credit Vs Debit?
Use credit cards when shopping online. Credit cards have more protection than debit cards. On top of that you don't want to go throught the ordeal of the bank charging you overdraft fees for your debit account.
When you are out at the restaurants, play close attention to the waiter/waitress. Thieves will often have a device called a skimmer and they will download the info from your account to create counterfeit cards.Watch the magnetic stripe!
2.) I repeat " You cannot have my pin number!"
My father was at a gas station. And the attendant claimed that the debit machine was down. So he asked my father for his pin number. From my father's story, it seemed as if the man did not speak English well. So,my father yelled "No pin number! No pin number!"
This went on over and over until the attendant got uncomfortable. In a situation like this, pay with cash or simply go to another gas station. Do not share your pin with anyone! They are for your eyes only.
3.)Shred, then shred, then shred some more!
This can't be stressed enough. We all receive credit card offers in the mail. Somehow we all get pre-approved, but unless you are applying please tear this information into pieces.
"Dumpster Divers" are known to look through trash or even take information directly from your mailbox. All personal information should be shredded, especially anything with your social security number.
Other documents to shred include:investment reports, insurance statements, benefits documents, and any tax information.
4.) Look at your credit reports.
This sounds simple enough, but how many of us actually do it. Order your credit report at least once a year. Federal Law gives you the right to 1 free report every year from the 3 credit bureaus..Experian, Equifax, and Transunion. The earlier you detect it, the easier it will be to clean up any mysterious charges.
To get more information on your free credit reports, visit the Federal Trade Commission web site at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre34.shtm .
To get your free annual credit report:
By telephone: (877) 322-8228
Online: www.annualcreditreport.com
By mail. Print out the order form here:
https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/requestformfinal.pdf
5) The lovely Social Security Number
There will be time when you have to give out your ssn in a public place. Write it down on a piece of paper, and hand it to the person asking. When they are finished, you can ask for the paper back. Remember to shred it!
And please do not carry your social security card on you.
6.) Medicare Card Tip
Photocopy the card. Cut it so that it fits in your wallet. Remove the last four digits of the ssn. Carry that with you instead of the real card. If you are making your first trip to your healthcare provider, then you need the actual card because they need a photocopy for their files.
7.) Pc/Internet
If you are using DSLl or a cable modem, install a firewall on your pc to stop hackers from getting personal and financial data from your hard drive. Keep your virus protection software updated to prevent a virus from sending out files. When shopping online, only do business with companies that provide security protection, privacy, and security policies.
To hear more stories and learn about identity theft visit: The Perfect Place to Learn About Identity Theft
