How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) June 29, 2009 -- No matter what the economic climate is, people will always need to protect their identity from being used in a fraudulent manner. Since the Internet is now seeping into our everyday lives, there is no doubt that at some point in time, you will become a victim of identity theft.

There are different levels of being impacted from someone using your credit card to make purchases, to some someone using your good name and credit to acquire services/products using the strength of your credit history. So, what are some of the common steps you can take to avoid being a victim?

Lock up your social security card, birth certificate, passport, and other personal IDs that contain sensitive information. Do not carry these items with you (except when absolutely necessary, such as to travel to a foreign country) or keep them in areas accessible to workers in your house.

Do not give out your social security number (SSN) unless absolutely necessary. Ask for a different identifying number if the SSN is being used (such as for a state driver’s license).

Destroy all documents containing personally identifying information when you dispose of them. In particular, make sure to destroy bank and credit card statements, expired credit cards, old tax documents, health insurance forms, medical records, and utility bills. If you use a shredder, use one that cross shreds for the best destruction.

Shred all credit card and mortgage offers. ID thieves can use them to apply for credit in your name.

Limit the number of credit cards you have and cancel all card accounts that you do not currently use. The fewer cards you have, the easier it is to keep track of them.

Check credit card and bank statements each month as soon as they arrive or are available online. This is the best way to detect any unauthorized use, plus most credit card companies and financial institutions only allow you to challenge mistakes for a set period of time, typically 60 days. Also, ask credit card companies not to send you
“convenience” checks that could easily be stolen.

Limit use of debit cards attached to your bank accounts. For example, do not use them at restaurants (or anywhere else that they leave your sight) or for online transactions. Federal law, bank policies, and debit card issuers generally protect against most debit card losses, but the extent of the protection varies. And, as a practical matter, your bank account could be emptied before you can stop unauthorized transactions, leaving you with no cash at least for a period of time.

Pick up new checks at the bank instead of having them sent to your mailbox.

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