Identity theft can happen to anyone, especially with the growing number of ways we use our personal information. This page will give you some easy ways to prevent and detect identity theft.
Top 10 Easy Ways to Prevent Identity Theft
Be a minimalist: Only carry the personal information you need with you. If you do not need your Social Security card, your passport or your checkbook, then do not carry them.
Use common sense: When choosing passwords and PIN numbers, don’t use predictable numbers like your Social Security number, or anything else easily detectable (pet’s name, mother’ maiden name, etc.). Perpetrators of identity theft are often acquaintances of the victim – so don’t make it easier for them to steal your identity.
Pay attention: If you are expecting a new credit card, driver’s license, or other sensitive material, watch the mail closely and contact the issuer immediately if it does not arrive when expected.
Are they who they say they are? Do not give out your credit card number over the phone unless you have an existing business relationship with the company and you initiated the call.
Shred the evidence: Make sure your account number does not appear in full on your receipts. If it does, shred it before throwing it away.
Keep your Social Security number to yourself: Give your Social Security number out only when absolutely necessary.
Pass it on, or don’t: Request that look-up companies remove your information from their databases. Contact Lexis-Nexis at (800) 227-9597 and Information America at (800) 235-4008.
Computer Safety 101: Install a firewall on your computer to keep Internet hackers from accessing your data.
Inquiring minds do not need to know via e-mail: Do not send confidential information over e-mail, and never respond to e-mail requests for such information.
Neither do inquiring web surfers: visit on-line directories, like the following, and remove your information from them (directions in parentheses):
