Identity Theft Guide 10 Tips to Protect Yourself

 Top 10 Identity Theft Prevention Tips.

1) Shred. Shred anything that contains your private information. Thieves routinely rummage through dumpsters looking for items of use. Pieces of data are sold to perpetrators with laptops who wait patiently until enough knowledge is acquired to be valuable.

2) Watch out for phishing. This is the practice of luring victims to a fake website via an authentic-looking email. The goal may be to get you to submit a password, for example. Do not respond to these requests. Instead, contact the company directly to find out if the communication is legitimate.

3) Protect your debit card. Credit cards offer better protection, so use them instead when shopping online.

4) Hand tricks. When handing your plastic to a cashier, keep your eye on it. Small, handheld devices can be used to achieve a swipe and download -- a trick easily pulled off while your toddler has your attention. This scam is most easily pulled off in the back room where no one is watching, which is of particular concern when dining out. Major credit cards offer better protection, or pay cash at restaurants.

5) Guard your pin. When inputting your pin, cover the keypad with your hand. You wouldn't believe it, but a pair of binoculars may be watching. Another option is to obtain cash the old fashioned way -- from the teller.

6) Do not use your savings for overdraft purposes. If your primary account is compromised, your savings can be looted as well if the two accounts are linked.

7) Choose your mortgage broker wisely. Your loan file is the mother lode. Financially speaking, it contains everything. Work with a professional who won't toss your loan file in the garbage after it is no longer of use. Improper disposition of documents is rampant, and there are many bandits who regularly pilfer the dumpsters behind mortgage companies.

8) Paying bills. Do not leave your bills in the "outgoing" box at your place of employment. Instead, deposit them directly in a USPS drop box, or pay your bills online.

9) Properly dispose of old computers. Deleting doesn't do the job. Use a cleaning program to make sure nothing is left behind.

10) Security freeze. Consider putting a security freeze in place at Experian TransUnion and Equifax. This prevents these agencies from releasing your information without your express written consen.

   What is Identity Theft. Identity theft guide

  Identity theft occurs when someone uses the identifying information of another person-name, social security number, mother’s maiden name, and so forth- to commit fraud or engage in other unlawful activities.

  While numerous variations of the crime exist, an identity thief can fraudulently use personal identifying information to:

• open new credit card accounts;
• take over existing credit card accounts;
• apply for loans;
• rent apartments;
• establish services with utility companies;
• write fraudulent checks using another person’s name and account number;
• steal and transfer money from existing bank accounts;
• file bankruptcy; and
• obtain employment using the victim’s name.

Ironically, the dollar losses aren’t the greatest concern for most victims. The real problem for most victims, is straightening out a damaged credit history.

The Secrets To Raise Your Credit Score: "CREDIT SECRETS BIBLE"

  Identity Theft Prevention Strategies

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