Avoiding Identity Theft
Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the world. It occurs when someone obtains and uses your personal information without your knowledge to commit fraud or theft. While a number of companies put security standards and procedures in place to prevent unauthorized access to customer information, you should still take your own precautions. Here are some steps you can take to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft:
Create Unique Personal Identification Numbers (PIN) and Passwords
Don't use your social security number, date of birth, or mother's maiden name as a PIN or password. Should anyone obtain your PINs or passwords, they can obtain the kind of personal information that leads to identity theft. Also, never carry this information with you.
Destroy All Papers Listing Account Numbers
Make sure to destroy any receipts, financial statements and unused credit card offers before throwing them away. If someone obtained this information, they would be able to obtain credit in your name.
Check for Unauthorized Transactions
If you are a victim of identify fraud, you will very quickly start finding purchases or withdrawals you never made on your credit card or debit account. Review your bank and credit card statements carefully as soon as you receive them. Report any unauthorized purchases to the credit card company immediately. Chances are you will not be required to pay for them.
Protect Your Web Page User ID and Passwords
The easiest way to do this is to use a combination of letters and numbers, and change them often. Never carry this information with you. Remember that your computer will keep track of recent web pages visited as well as specific access information. If someone were to have access to your personal computer, they may also have the same access to web accounts previously established by the decedent.
Establish More than One E-mail Address
Use one for personal correspondence with friends and family and another for online transactions. This way you can delete the later in case you become suspicious or simply get bombarded with unsolicited e-mail or Spam.
Order Copies of Your Credit Report Every Year
Order a credit report annually from each of the major credit bureaus listed below:
Equifax (800) 685-1111
Experian (888) 397-3742
Trans Union (800) 916-8800
If you ever suspect fraud has occurred on any of your accounts, report it immediately so they can start to close accounts and clear your name right away. You may also contact the Federal Trade Commission's ID Theft Hotline toll-free at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338) or online at www.consumer.gov/idtheft. Furthermore, you should request that a fraud alert be placed on your credit report file with each of the credit reporting agencies listed below:
Equifax (800) 525-6285
Experian (888) 397-3742
Trans Union (800) 680-7289
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