Identity Theft Articles

I’m sure you have all seen advertisments on TV about identity theft or perhaps you know someone who has been affected. I thought I would share some tips to protect yourself.

• Install anti-virus software on any computer used to access the Internet
• Keep your anti-virus software up to date
• Use a strong password for all Internet sites, especially banking
• Do not post your full street address or full birth date on social media sites
• Do not even open suspicious email
• Authenticate any email request from a company you do business with
• Shred offers for credit cards or loans before throwing away
• Shred bills after paying or sign up for online statements
• Do not give personal information to strangers on the phone
• Sign up for the Do Not Call registry

Anti-virus software can help stop programs from being inserted on your computer to collect information. It is important to install updates as they come in since new viruses are invented daily.

Try to pick passwords that are secure. Do not use your name, initials, birthday, anniversary, children’s birthdays, pet names, or anything easy for people to guess. The old advice about not writing your password down is good advice, but I would rather see you pick something secure and write it down and hide it then pick something easy to hack. And NEVER have your browser remember your password to any site that has personal information or control over any of your accounts. If your computer is stolen, the thief can control those accounts!

Social media sites have been used maliciously. Do not post too much information. Do not use applications that require you to share information if possible.

Don’t open email promising money waiting for you from UPS, FedEx, or some oversees attorney. If you accidentally open one, do not follow any of the instructions.

If you receive email from your bank or insurance company asking you to verify information, do not do it. Call them or check their main website for alerts. Most of them would never request such information. I once got an email from a company stating they were switching to new software and needed to verify all information to load the new database. It was a phishing scheme.

Shredders are not very expensive and definitely a must. You cannot prevent banks from sending credit card and loan offers, and if left intact they can be stolen from your trash. Bills should be shredded to prevent disclosing information. Most large companies offer online statements so you can totally eliminate the paper.

Sign up for the “do not call” registry to eliminate most phishing calls. This registry, I believe, is why these criminals are now targeting business offices (I wrote an article about that.) There is a loophole that if you do business with a company or you have in the past, they call still call you. So be wary of callers requesting any personal information. Tell them not to call you again; once told, it is illegal for them to call again and most of them will not risk it.

It is unfortunate that there are so many people we can’t trust! Rest assured that any legitimate business will not mind if you verify any request for information.

While, Identity Theft and Credit Card Fraud Are On The Rise, you must be extremely careful on how you live your financial life, especially online. Some identity thieves out there have become extremely skilled, that they can steal your personal data and credit card information with just simple information such as: Driver’s license number, and Social security card number. One tip to help you is to read each statement from your credit card companies carefully as well as your bank statements, this will help you protect your credit and credit score.

Think Twice…

Treat unsolicited email and phone requests for financial information or personal data with suspicion. Contact the actual business that supposedly called or sent the email to see if it was legitimate. Also, prior to entering the account information on any website, look for the locked padlock in the browser or https at the beginning of the website address.

Don’t leave an open invitation…

Immediately remove your incoming mail everyday as soon as you can, and never leave unpaid bills in your mail box, as they may contain socials, license numbers, or account information that could easily be stolen.

Be Vigilant…

Check your monthly statements promptly to verify transactions. Notify your bank or credit union right away if there seems to be suspicious activity.

Expiration Date…

Closely watch your expiration dates, if you have not received your new credit card, or bank card, immediately contact your bank or credit card company to file for a lost/stolen card and have a new one replaced right away.

Unsolicited credit cards…

Watch out for cards that you did not apply for or request. If you do receive these call the card company immediately to find out why you have these cards.

Collection Calls…

These are annoying to everyone, yet can be helpful if you do not realize you have been victimized. If you are getting calls from, creditors or debt collectors listen to them to see what they are saying to you. You may have a charge on there that you didn’t make, and need to report it. Do not stop at your bank or credit card companies with this also, contact your local police dept, and file a complaint, as well as the ITAC.

More is coming soon I hope you all have found this very helpful, and take this seriously, as these crimes can devastate your life. I have had my identity stolen 6 times since I was 16 years old, as well as countless times of being victimized by credit card fraud. To learn how to start your own business as well STOP HERE and I will show you how to do it all. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dwayne_Prentice

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