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How To Protect Yourself From Identity Theft |
By:
Paul Wilcox |
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How To Protect Yourself From Identity Theft
Paul Wilcox
There are a number of forms of identity theft. The fraudulent use of another person's credit card, charging up bills in another's name and seeking work in someone else's name are all examples. Unfortunately, the people who are victims of identity theft are often help responsible for debts and other problems created. This is one of the reasons you need to take steps to protect yourself.
First, you need to be able to recognize the different types of identity theft and how they occur. Checking your credit rating on a regular basis and watching your bills and statements for unusual items are just a start. You should also consider the following:
- Never give private information to anyone you don't know and trust
- Get a shredder for all sensitive documents like bank and credit card statements, and shred them before you throw them out
- Keep your social security number confidential and NEVER have it printed on your check book
- Don't carry important identification when it isn't necessary as they can be stolen
- Consider taking your details out of the phonebook
- Destroy and cancel any credit cards you never use
- If your wallet or purse is stolen, contact all financial institutions you have accounts with
You can also help protect yourself by keeping important documents locked away in a safe at home or a safety deposit box at your bank. Never share your personal information through unsolicited email or phone calls. If you're traveling, leave a copy of your identification with someone you can contact in case the originals are stolen or lost.
How To Protect Your Identity On The Internet
Tips for protection against online identity theft are relatively simple. Always keep the computer protected from viruses and hacking using high quality antivirus and spyware programs which are updated regularly. Change passwords frequently and make them as hard to figure out as possible using combinations of letters and numbers. Never answer emails requesting account information, passwords or credit card details. Before entering bank or credit card information, verify that the website is authentic and safe to use as it could easily be a fake.
Worried about identity theft and other types of internet threats? Find out how to set up solid http://www.securitymanor.com/ PC security so you don't get taken on the net. Get more tips and safety information at http://www.securitymanor.com
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Article Source: http://www.statssheet.com/articles/article67698.html |
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