Identity Theft Prevention Tips
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Can Identity Theft Be Prevented? |
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The Answer is
Both Yes and No. I like to compare identity theft with someone trying to break into your house. Can you prevent someone from breaking into your house? Well, you can do things to make it hard for them. You can install locks, alarms, and security cameras. You can hire security experts and armed guards. Would it still be possible for someone to break in with all that in place? Sure, if they were determined enough and had more armed guards than you or better technology. We've seen it a million times in the movies. The same is true for identity theft prevention. You can make it more difficult for someone, but nothing can 100% guarantee that you won't become a victim. Just being smart, however, will greatly lower your chances. We've listed some common-sense ways of preventing identity theft below. You should also consider credit monitoring. That will help you detect identity theft if your prevention tactics fail. |
Your Personal Data is Like Gold. Don't Let Someone Turn it Into
Lead.
By following these simple tips, you can greatly reduce your chances
of becoming a victim of identity theft. If you have any more tips
to offer, send them here.
- Do not carry your extra credit cards, Social
Security card, birth certificate, or passport in your wallet or
purse except when necessary. This practice minimizes the amount
of information a thief can steal. Photocopy everything in your
wallet so if it is stolen you know exactly who to call.
- Do not click on links in any emails you
receive from financial institutions - even if you're 100% sure
they're legitimate. Instead, go to your browser and type in the
domain name of the institution (e.g. www.wellsfargo.com or www.paypal.com)
and then login to your account. Some emails you receive about
your financial accounts are actually fake and are called "phishing"
emails.
- Make sure your computer is set to automatically
download the latest patches and fixes. Any computer operating
systems will have security holes. You will want to install a new
fix once they are discovered and patched. Both Microsoft Windows
and Mac have an easy method for doing this.
- Install virus and spyware detection software
and keep them updated.
- Install a lockable mailbox at your residence
to reduce mail theft.
- Take credit card receipts with you. Never
toss them in a public trash container.
- Never leave your purse or wallet unattended
at work or in church, restaurants, health fitness clubs, parties,
or shopping carts. Never leave your purse or wallet in open view
in your car, even when your car is locked.
- Destroy all checks immediately after you
close a checking account. Destroy or keep in a secure place any
courtesy checks that your bank or credit card company sends to
you.
- Do not have your bank send your new checks
to your home address. Tell the bank that you prefer to pick them
up.
- Reconcile your check and credit card statements
in a timely fashion, and challenge any purchases you did not make.
- Limit the number of credit cards you have,
and cancel any inactive accounts.
- Never give any credit card, bank, or Social
Security information to anyone by telephone, even if you made
the call, unless you can positively verify that the call is legitimate.
- Minimize exposure of your Social Security
and credit card numbers. If the numbers are requested for check-cashing
purposes, ask if the business has alternative options such as
a check-cashing card.
- Do not allow your financial institution
to print your Social Security number on your personal checks.
- Safeguard your credit, debit, and ATM card
receipts. Shred them before discarding.
- Scrutinize your utility and subscription
bills to make sure the charges are yours.
- Memorize your passwords and personal identification
numbers (PINs) so you do not have to write them down. Be aware
of your surroundings to make sure no one is watching you input
your PIN.
- Keep a list of all your credit accounts
and bank accounts in a secure place so you can quickly call the
issuers to inform them about missing or stolen cards. Include
account numbers, expiration dates, and telephone numbers of customer
service and fraud departments.
- Do not toss pre-approved credit offers
in your trash or recycling bin without first shredding
them. Dumpster divers use these offers to order credit cards
in your name and mail them to their address. Always do the same
with other sensitive information like credit card receipts, phone
bills, and such.
- If you don't receive your billing statement, notify the company immediately.
Again, none of these tips are guaranteed to prevent identity theft. You just want to make it more difficult for someone to steal your identity.
