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Prevent Identity Theft With These 8 Steps

by Harvey Warmuth

1. Do not write personal checks to strange people. Cash, money order and bank drafts would be better. Although you did not sign up for online banking, anyone can get money from your bank account over the Internet.

2. Before you throw your bank records in the garbage, do remember that people that steal identities generally do not steal personal data from offices or homes. Trash cans are their main target so it would be best to get a shredder as soon as possible.

3. Request that an online statement be sent to you. In most cases, banks deliver statements through regular mail and you will not have the assurance that it will be delivered to you safe and sealed. Keep in mind that what banks send you has your bank details.

4. We frequently get credit card promo checks in the mail. These are the simplest checks to convert into cash. Contact your credit card company and ask them to stop sending you those checks.

5. Be aware that credit card companies do not replace the credit card number when they issue new ones. The only thing they replace is the expiration date. Undoubtedly, a credit card that is expired cannot finalize a transaction when swiped, but placing an order online, you just need the card number and the card holder’s name.

6. Ensure that the back of your credit card or debit card is signed. A store clerk occasionally compares the card holder’s signature with the one on the credit card, particularly when a huge transaction is involved. To prevent unauthorized use of your credit card, write your signature at the back.

7. Credit offer mailings that are pre-approved are dangerous just like credit card and bank statements. It is simple for a perpetrator to pull credit using your name and those offers. Just like with your other financial documents, pre-approved offer mailings must be dealt with the same way.

8. Never use public computers in work locations, public libraries or ‘hot spots’ for getting into your accounts or for submitting a credit card application online. Such places are easily reachable to hackers. Also, make certain that you remove kept cookies before logging out.

About the Author:
The fastest growing crime in America is personal identity theft. Use a service for identity protection and keep yourself safe from identity theft.
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April 28, 2009 | Filed Under Banking

 

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