| Six Ways to Protect Yourself From Identity Theft | | Print | |
Page 1 of 3 Six Ways to Protect Yourself From Identity TheftWe've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed by someone stealing a name, address, Social Security number, credit cards, etc. Here are some simple things you can do to protect yourself and your credit rating from this all-to-common problem.The next time you order checks have only your initials (instead of first name) and last name put on them. If someone takes your check book they will not know if you sign your checks with just your initials or your first name but your bank will know how you sign your checks. But you should be aware that your bank never looks at the signature line. When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the "For" line. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won't have access to it. Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a PO Box use that instead of your home. Never have your SS# printed on your checks (DUH!) you can add it if it is necessary. But if you have it printed, anyone can get it. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine, do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately. But The key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them easily. If your wallet is lost or stolen, file a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where the loss occurred . This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and is a first step toward an investigation (if there is one). But here's what is perhaps most important if you have any identity related problems: Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit.
There are 3 kinds of people: those who can count & those who can't. |
|||||
