How to Avoid Identity Theft - Keeping your Financial Records Safe
You just got your latest credit card bill, and are shocked to see over $5,000 in charges for items you have never purchased. You have just become an identity theft victim. So what steps can you take to avoid identity theft?
In order to prevent this kind of scenario, here are some important safety tips about identity theft.
When using ATM or credit cards on machines, do not leave the receipts. Even though these receipts may not have the entire account number, you should shred them before discarding them in the trash.
Be careful who you share your personal information with. Amazingly in a recent report from the FBI, nearly 30 percent of identity theft crimes were committed by a co-worker or friend.
Check you credit reports regularly. You can obtain free copies from each credit bureau each year.
If you are getting a lot of credit offers in the mail, contact the institution to be removed from their list. However, if you want to receive these offers make sure you check your mailbox regularly or have them sent to a PO Box.
Although not as common a practice as it once was, do not offer your credit card as identification for checks. Remember, your check will pass through a lot of hands before it gets to your bank. Anyone of these people can use the information on your check against you.
Be careful with email. This is one of the biggest ways criminals try to get your information. They do what is called phishing. Simply put, you get an email that looks like it is coming from your credit card company, email provider, or some other familiar account. This email asks you to verify your personal information by replying to the email. DELETE these emails.
If you suspect you are victim of identity theft, you should contact your local police department immediately and report it. Also, contact your bank and credit card companies. If you do not report it, you could be held liable for the charges incurred on your accounts. Remember, the best way to avoid identity theft is to take extra care in all your personal and business transactions.
John Fitzgerald is a staff writer for PreventingIdentityTheftResource.com For additional information on Preventing Identity Theft visit our website.
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