Protecting Yourself From Identity Theft - Ultimate 7 Tips For
Avoiding ID Theft
by Duncan Roberts
The first thing you have to keep in mind to prevent identity theft is the power
your personal information gives the thief.
A thief can use your social security number, credit card number, password,
PIN, etc. to make transactions under your name, which can cost you both
hard-earned money and a lot of time trying to fix the damage. So, don't give
them that power.
1. Keep Important Documents Safe and Secure. Never allow anybody to fix your
wallet, purse, or bag where you have IDs, bank statements, credit cards, and
other important documents to prevent identity theft. You shouldn't be
complacent, even with those close to you. Studies show that in around 26% of
identity theft cases, victims knew the perpetrators.
2. Properly Dispose Important Documents. Shred or tear up receipts, personal
applications, bank or credit card statements and scatter them among different
waste bins to prevent identity theft. Better yet, burn them before throwing
them away. Do not leave transaction receipts behind after making a purchase to
prevent identity theft. Never leave your receipt at the ATM machine.
3. Do Not Giving Out Personal Info Over the Phone. Never give your account
details and other similar information to someone who calls you asking for it.
To prevent identity theft, ask to ring them back, or bother to see them
personally at their office before giving out any details. Better yet, to
prevent identity theft, give out details only if you initiated contact.
4. Bringing Only IDs You Need. It's easier to keep track of your IDs on a
daily basis if your wallet only has current ones or those that you actually use
for transactions during the week. To prevent identity theft, leave IDs you
don't particularly need at home, locked up in a safe place.
5. Fill Out Only the Last Four Digits at the Bank. Did you know that writing
only the last four digits of your bank account number when filling up deposit
or withdrawal forms will suffice? The teller can take care of the rest. Also,
to prevent identity theft, tear up any transaction slips you want to discard,
and toss them in the bin. Do not leave them on the counter.
6. Be Constantly Aware of Your Surroundings. During a purchase, make sure
your credit or debit card is handed right back to you after a transaction. Cup
your free hand over the hand that is punching in your PIN, especially at an ATM
machine.
7. Stay Informed! Take time to research the latest modus operandi of
identity thieves. You should be especially concerned if you use the Internet to
make financial transactions. To prevent identity theft, you will have to be on
your guard against web spoofing (using a replica of a trusted site to
manipulate your transaction) and bogus e-mail.
Heed these tips and you can easily prevent identity theft from
occurring.
About the Author
Duncan Roberts has been working, helping victims of identity theft for over
15 years. You can read more of his ways to
prevent identity theft at his site http://www.keep-your-id.com/ways-to-prevent-identity-theft.php
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