Avoid Becoming A Victim Of Identity Theft - Take These Steps

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) November 30, 2007 -- Anyone could become a victim of identity theft. It happens when the thief pretends to be you by taking your bank account numbers, your social security number and credit cards. With this information, the thief will open new credit card accounts and borrow money to go on a spending spree buying luxurious items such as new cars and taking expensive vacations.

So How Does A Thief Get Access To My Personal Information?

• Email Pfishing has become very popular. The thief pretends to be employed by companies such a PayPal, EBay, your bank, etc. They will tell you - very convincingly, that they need your password or social security number to be verified for various reasons. They are so convincing, they even build a webpage to look just like the company you are dealing with.

• Thieves sift through dumpsters at apartments, homes and the city dump to get your financial information from statements and receipts.

• Steal mail from your mailbox. They are especially looking for bank statements and pre-approved credit card applications.

• Keep a watchful eye at automated teller machines. Thieves will try to steal your ATM card and/or personal identification number. A clever trick the thief is using is to stand behind you with a cell phone, pretending to be talking on the phone, then taking video snapshots of you typing your number in!

• Steal your wallet or pocketbook.

• Call you on the phone and pretend to be your landlord, mortgage or loan officer, or even your employer to get such info as your credit report.


So What Can Be Done To Prevent ID Theft?

• Check your credit report for errors and correct at least once a year.

• Never give out your Social Security number unless it's absolutely required by state or federal governments.

• Do not carry your Social Security card around with you.

• Shred – Shred – Shred! Invest in an inexpensive shredder to get rid of papers with personal information such as credit card offers, bank statements, charge receipts and expired credit cards.

• Never give your social security, credit card or bank information over the phone, internet or through the mail unless you know for certain that who you are dealing with is a legitimate business.

• Make sure you take inventory of every card you own. Include account numbers, addresses and phone numbers so you can notify the bank or card company in case your card is stolen or lost.

• Limit the number of cards you carry. This will limit information for the thief.

• Be careful online and in chat rooms and social networking. Identity thieves could be watching or trying to build a friendship.

• Lastly, remove yourself from mailing lists so you will not receive unsolicited offers such as insurance and credit card offers.

IDENTITY THEFT