Identity Theft Articles

Improving and protecting your credit also means making sure no one uses your personal identifying information to obtain credit under your name. Identity theft can be very harmful to your credit and it could take up to two years before your good name and credit is restored.

Protecting your identity is critical not only in that it protects your credit, but also because affects your everyday life in very many different ways. These are tips on what you should do to protect your credit and avoid being a victim of identity theft.

In this country nothing is as important as your social security number. This is the number one piece of information you need to protect. Exercise great care in protecting your social security number and do not care you social security number with you in your wallet or purse. If you are issued identifying cards such as a health care card, be sure it does not have your social security number and if does then call the issuer and ask for another number.

You can reduce and should consider reducing all pre-approved credit offers by calling 1-888-567-8688 and having your name removed from marketing lists. This pre-approved credit offers are often used by criminals to obtain credit under your name.

When personal information is asked of you, feel free to ask how your personal information will be used and if you don’t like the response reconsider the transaction and consider going elsewhere.

You may also want to check your credit reports once a year. They are free and available by calling 1-877-322-8228 or by going online at annualcreditreport.com.

Be keenly aware of phishing and do not get caught. There are tens of thousands of scams whereby criminals attempt to steal your personal identifying information by pretending to be banks, stores, government agencies, or other organizations. They solicit your private information not only through E-mails, but also by phone and regular mail. Sometimes they ask you confirm personal information, sometimes they ask you confirm account numbers and passwords. Do not respond to any of these requests.

Do not throw away identifying information without shredding the documents. Shred credit card offers and convenience checks that you do not use. Personal identifying information is often obtained from garbage bins, so be sure no identifying information is disposed of before tearing or shredding the documents.

Under California law your personal identifying information cannot be shared among businesses affiliated with each other without your consent, so be sure you specify if your identifying information will be shared.

Protect you computer with antivirus and anti spyware and firewalls. Avoid free software and only download software from sites you trust, if in doubt do not download software. Do not open emails from sources you do not know and do not click on pop-up ads.

Exercise caution when shopping only. Not all websites are legitimate or safe.

Check your bills and bank statements, right away, they may be the first clue your identity has been compromised. If your bills are late call to be sure your information has not been altered without your consent.

The best remedy is always prevention, but if you believe your identity has been stolen, you should immediately file a police report where you live and call the major credit reporting agencies to prevent further damage.