The identities of 9 million Americans are stolen each year. Skepticism is healthy when you are dealing with telephones, computers, and emails. Awareness is critical in stopping identity theft.
Here are a few simple steps you can taken to prevent your identity from being stolen:
-Do not give out personal information on the phone, on the Internet, or through the mail, unless you are absolutely sure you know who you’re talking to. If you get an email from a familiar company or agency requesting that you update your account information, do not click on the link. It could take you to a web page that loads spyware on your computer. Many thieves try to pass off as a representative or create fake websites, to gain your trust and personal information. Go directly to the site by typing the homepage web address in a web browser. Log in and edit your account. If you receive a phone call, hang up and call the company yourself.
-Remove mail from your mailbox as soon as you can. Do not deposit your outgoing mail at an unsecured location. Shred all credit card offers and other unwanted mail that contains personal information.
-Shred all forms, receipts, invoices, insurance statements, credit card and medical bills and other personal documents before you put them in the trash.
-Do not leave your purse or wallet or other important documents containing personal information unguarded.
-Avoid carrying unneccessary credit cards and your social security card. Only give out your SSN when it is absolutely warranted. Ask if you can use something else to identify yourself. If a anyone (driver’s license, health insurer) uses your SSN as an ID number or account number, ask to have it changed
-Don’t carry your Social Security card; leave it in a secure place. Give your SSN only when absolutely necessary, and ask to use other types of identifiers. If your state uses your SSN as your driver’s license number, ask to substitute another number. Do the same if your health insurance company uses your SSN as your policy number.
-Keep all personal information that can’t be shredded in a safe and secure place.
-When ordering new checks, pick them up from the bank instead of having them delivered to your home.
-Install comprehensive security software or services on your personal computer including anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall protection and keep it up to date.
- Closely monitor your account statements, mail offers, and credit reports. Credit reports from the three major credit bureaus, Transunion, Experian, and Equifax, can be obtained for free by going online at www.annualcreditreport.com or by calling 1-877-322-8228.
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