Identity Theft Prevention Steps

Are you frequently hearing about reports on identity theft crimes? Do you even really know what identity theft is?

Identity theft is the robbery of your personal information such as your social security number, bank account information, driver’s license number and even your mother’s maiden name. Obviously, you would NOT like your identity to be stolen from you.

Preventing this information from being taken may sound difficult because there are instances when providing this information is necessary, but it’s really not as hard as you might think. You don’t want to be the person who goes to make a purchase only to find out that your credit limit has been reached on your account because someone stole the information and maxed it out in your name.

There are several noteworthy actions you can take to prevent identity theft from happening to you. If you don’t prevent it, you could be looking at year’s worth of damages if your identity is stolen.

The following are things you can do to prevent identity theft from happening to you at home.

1.)    If you have roommates, outside assistance at your home (ex. maid service), or work at home partially or full time, you should keep your personal data secure and in a proper place in your personal space that they do not access.

2.)    Put outgoing mail in a post office collection box or take it directly to a post office to be mailed out. Anyone has access to your personal mailbox. Also, collect your incoming mail from your mailbox in a timely matter. If you will not be home for more than a day call your post office to have them hold your mail until you return.

3.)    Destroy all billing receipts, credit requests information, doctor’s prescriptions, insurance applications, and other items that have your personal information on them.

4.)    Do not keep your social security card visible. Keep it in a secure, perhaps locked, place. Most often you can use other forms of identification like your driver’s license or insurance cards.

To prevent identity theft at work or in an office you can find out information about your data safety guidelines. This can also been done at your physician’s office or similar establishments that inquire about your personal information. Find out who will have access to your personal information, why they need it and when they’ll use it.

The following can protect you against identity theft online.

1.)    Read the confidentiality and safety statements thoroughly before making an online purchase.  If possible, know those who will have access to your personal information. Make sure the company will handle your online purchase information properly and do NOT provide any personal information to a company which you have heard substantial negative feedback about.

2.)    Use PayPal to make online purchases. PayPal is secure and you can move funds from your bank account to your PayPal account to buy things over the Internet rather than provide your bank account details online.

3.)    Do NOT provide your personal information over the telephone, Internet, e-mail unless you know exactly who the company/person is and that your information will be kept securely.

4.)    Before providing any personal information, insure that you are dealing with a legal company/party. Check for the company or person’s website for more information. Stay alert when responding to promotions because other’s can steal information by generating promotional offers over the telephone and having you provide your purchase and personal information.

There are companies out there that provide insurance against identity theft cases. Be sure to carefully read the options and limits they provide for your safety. Please remember that many creditors only work with you to determine the problem if your card is stolen, their insurance is there to remove fraudulent charges but does not lessen the problem of your identity being stolen.

Make sure you understand what is offered through other services before agreeing to them. If you are looking to purchase identity theft insurance you can examine the company through the Better Business Bureau or other legal agencies to see if they are reliable and check feedback on them.

Just remember to always stay alert and be clever when it comes to your information. Anytime someone asks for your personal or banking information, whether it is a family member or business, request why they need it and when they’ll be using it. Also keep in mind to ask where it will be stored, how long they will have it and who else they will be providing it to (and the reason for providing it to others). If, for any reason, you doubt why they need your information, do NOT provide it.

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We highly recommend you download ID Pro today from the link above.  It will check your PC and let you know if any of your personal information is at risk of being stolen.