Identity Theft
How to Prevent Identity Theft and Credit Fraud Customers may be in a position to prevent potential identity theft by closely guarding their personal data. For example, never give out your Social Security number over the phone unless you know the company you are dealing with and have initiated the call. Similarly, if your mother's maiden name is not likely to be a secure password, consider changing it to something a little more difficult for a thief to obtain. Also, carry only the cards you are actually going to use, and leave official documents like Social Security cards, passports and birth certificates at home or in a safety deposit box. * Shred your important papers. Don't just throw them out or rip them into pieces. Shredding is the best way to keep "dumpster divers" from obtaining credit card offers, receipts and other personal information from your trash.* Opt out. Credit reporting agencies make billions of dollars each year by selling your information to credit card companies. You can have your name removed from the lists by calling (888) 5-OPT-OUT, or mail Frank's pre-written letter to the credit agencies. * Write letters to the companies you deal with asking that they do not share, trade, or sell your personal i
Step 4: Use a personal firewallIf you're constantly connected to the Internet, invest in personal firewall protection. If you get a rotten e-mail that's got a virus, rather than opening it and trying to clean it up yourself, get in touch with the person who sent it to you and have them send you a safe version of it. While you probably can't prevent identity theft entirely, you can minimize your risk. Additionally, if your computer has been hacked, alert your ISP and they look into it. * Talk with your employer and your accountant about how your files are handled. One of the most common ways that consumers find out that they're victims of identity theft is when they try to make a major purchase, like a house or a car. * Ask about information security procedures in your workplace. If you don't feel safe using its server, call in your order. If you must record it, don't write it on your bank card. Don't underestimate the importance of this step. Norton Anti-virus, which lists for $34. Many people only give them a glance every month, and miss unauthorized charges. * Don't fill out the information on warranty cards.
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