Friday, February 10th, 2012

8 Things to Consider to Avoid Identity Theft

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1. Try not to write personal checks to an individual that you do not know. Rather, consider providing cash, a cashiers check or a money order. Even if you don’t use Internet banking, anyone can remove money directly from your bank accounts using an online service.

2. Before getting rid of your bank statements, you need to be familiar with this – people who steal identities do not generally get inside your house or office. Rather, they go through your trash bins for personal data, and often, they discover what they are looking for, so get ahold of a paper shredding machine. You should also consider making use of a identity theft solutions product.

3. Sign up for online statement delivery. Majority of financial institutions deliver customer statements via snail mail. The statements hold nearly all of your banking data and there is nothing stopping someone from opening your statements that come in the mail.

4. We often get checks from your credit card company in regular mail. These can be incredible simple to convert into cold hard cash. Contact your charge card issuer and ask them to quit sending you those checks. Consider using a identity protection solution to help protect your identity.

5. You should know that credit card companies do not change the credit card number when they send you a new one. The expiration date is the only thing that changes. Generally, a credit card that is expired cannot complete a purchase when swiped, but placing an order online, you may just be asked 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 should compare the signature of the person using the card with the actual one on the credit card, particularly when a large transaction is involved. To avert unauthorized use of your credit card, write your signature at the back.

7. Credit offer mails that are pre-approved are dangerous much like credit card and bank statements. It is easy for a criminal to get credit using your name and pre-approved offers for credit. Precisely like with your other financial documents, pre-approved offers should be dealt with in the appropriate manner.

8. Refrain from using computers in public places such as hotspots, workplaces or other public places for applying for credit cards on the Internet and checking your credit card or bank accounts. You are putting yourself at risk from hackers. Even though you do not use public computers, make sure you clear the cookies stored in the computer once you sign off the computer. Find out more about Life Lock Reviews to see if it is the best service for your situation.

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