A Few Ways To Keep Your Identity Safe

A Few Ways To Keep Your Identity Safe

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Identity theft means that an individual has got hold of sufficient personal information to be able to pretend to be you. They could clear your bank account, borrow more or set up a new credit card - and it is a growing trade.

It has been estimated that over nine millions US citizens have their identity stolen or lost every year, although not all of them suffer financially. It is one of the fastest growing crimes of this century.

Try these tips to help keep your identity safe.

1. Buy a good quality shredder and use it

Dispose of any financial paperwork, loans offers, credit card offers, any account details, or other paperwork with your address or other personal details on it. Some identity thieves have been known to go through rubbish bins to see what they can find.

2. Make sure you check your bank and credt card statements carefully

Go through your bank statements and credit card bills every time they come in. Anything unexpected may be the first indication that something is wrong.

3. Get a copy of your credit report

Knowing that your credit report is correct is a highly effective weapon against identity theft and the government recommends that you check it regularly. The report gives you an idea of your current credit and your repayment, so you can see anything unfamiliar or new. Get a free copy of your report by enrolling with an identity protection service.

4. Take care with your social networking activities

Do not include basic information such as your full name and real in your profile, and omit other details that give a picture of your family. These are the kind of things that can get entered as passwords and PIN numbers. Never let friends of friends see your information - you have no idea who they could be.

5. Keep important documents safely

Do not carry passports, drivers licences or even credit cards with you unless you are certainly going to need them, and never keep passwords or PIN numbers with them. If you lost your wallet or bag, all the information a thief would need could be inside as well as all your money.

6. Always report a theft however minor

Tell the authorities and your bank or credit card company if you happen to be the victim of a theft. By doing so, you put the theft on file and help to forewarn any organisation that may be approached by the thief.

7. Check your post

Missing mail may have been intercepted, especially if you have a common entrance with other residents where the mail is delivered. If you move house, always set up a redirection service to your new address for at least the first year, and notify any sender as soon as possible.

8. Join the electoral register at your address

The voters register are often used by credit companies to check your address is genuine. If you are not on the list, an impersonator could easily register you at another address. If you move house, make sure you change your registration to the new location. If you do that, the new occupants of your home will not be able to use your name and old address to steal your identity.

9. Never take any notice of cold calls or junk e-mails

You must never reply to e-mails from people asking for account numbers, passwords or PIN numbers, espicially on unfamiliar websites. Report such approaches to the organisation that is supposed to be asking for the details by checking their previous correspondance or genuine web site.

10. Check you credit report regularly

Identity theives can target you at any time, so you will need to keep vigilent. Many identity protection companies will give you alerts by e-mail when anything significant changes on your credit report, so you can check that you are not being impersonated. Respond to any alerts if you want to keep calm about the whole thing.

About the Author:
Dave has had some experience of identity theft and is keen to make sure other people are properly covered.

Visit the website now for Credit Theft Protection advice and some of the best offers on Identity Theft Protection Services.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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