10 Smart and Easy Ways to Avoid Identity Theft
Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal identifying information without your permission. The thief might obtain credit or open bank accounts in your name, make purchases using your credit card or even acquire a fake driver’s license or Social Security card in your name. Here are 10 steps you can take to help you prevent identity theft.
1. GUARD YOUR IDENTITY
Only give out your personal identity documentations (drivers licence, identity card) only when absolutely necessary or when required by law.
2. MEMORIZE PIN NUMBERS
When creating passwords or personal identification numbers (PINs), do not use the last four digits of your birthday, your mother’s maiden name or anything else that could easily be discovered by thieves. Don’t write down your PINs or passwords. Instead, commit them to memory.
3. SHRED
Shred or finely tear any documents that contain personal information. This includes bank statements, credit reports, credit card offers, charge receipts, insurance forms, checks and bank statements.
4. CARRY A MINIMUM OF PERSONAL INFORMATION
Don’t carry extra credit cards, your Social Security card, birth certificate or passport in your wallet or purse, unless you need it. As a precaution, make copies of your credit cards, and record your bank and investment account numbers. Keep this information in a secure place, along with the telephone numbers for customer service or the fraud department for each, so you can quickly notify them if an issue arises.
5. MONITOR BANK STATEMENTS AND CREDIT CARD BILLS
Thoroughly check your credit card and bank statements each month for unauthorized or fraudulent activity. You should also pay attention to your billing cycles, and follow up with your bank or creditors if bills or statements don’t arrive on time. A missing bill or statement could mean an identity thief has taken over your account and changed your billing address to cover his tracks.
If you’re going to be out of the country or away from your home for an extended period of time, ask a trusted family member or friend to monitor your statements.
6. SECURE YOUR MAIL
Identity thieves have been known to raid mailboxes for personal information. Promptly remove delivered mail from your mailbox. Deposit outgoing mail in post office mailboxes or at your local post office, rather than leaving it in your mailbox. If you will be away from home for an extended time, ask the post office to hold your mail.
7. TREAT PERSONAL INFORMATION WITH CARE
Don’t divulge personal information on the phone or the Internet, unless you have initiated the contact and know the company is reputable.
8. INSTALL A FIREWALL
A firewall on your computer may help to prevent hackers from obtaining personal identifying information and financial data from your hard drive. And before disposing of your computer, remove data by using a strong “wipe” utility program. Don’t rely solely on the delete function to remove files containing sensitive information.
9. CHECK YOUR CREDIT REPORT
Review your credit report at least once a year to check for errors and fraudulent use of your account. Consumers can now get a free copy of their credit report annually.
10. INFORM THE POLICE AND VEDA
If you think you are a victim of identity theft, immediately attend your local police station to file a report & inform VEDA of the details.
Identity Theft can happen to anyone, don’t become a victim.
If you would like to discuss issues relating to Identity Theft, please contact one of our friendly consultants today.
