How You Can Avoid Becoming A Victim Of Identity Theft
Identity theft is an ever growing crime with no end currently in sight. How often is has been said that “it’s not IF you become a victim but WHEN.You may know an individual who has stolen your identity or that of someone you are close to. What do you do to warn others about them and how do you protect yourself if you have not yet been a victim?
Some people know who the identity thief is. In this case, it is best to let others know and inform them to look at their credit report as soon as possible. If their credit report is not accurate, the problem can be handled with work and patience. Identity theft must be reported to police as soon as possible. You might know the thief and have no desire to see them arrested, however, be aware that you won't be able to remove false credit entries without a police report. Creditors will most likely ask for a copy before removing credit that was not initiated by you.
There are many who have not yet become a victim of this crime. So the question presents itself: how can you protect yourself before becoming a victim? Simply put, use caution by taking the following steps:
1) Lock your financial papers, social security cards and checkbook in a file cabinet or safe.
2) Have your mail held when you leave home rather than asking a neighbor or other acquaintance to get it for you. Your personal mail contains a lot of information that an identity thief needs to steal your identity and you could know the thief! If possible, have your mail delivered to a locked box (like a PO Box) rather than just a mail box
3) Keep your credit cards to yourself. Have a set rule that you will not share your credit card numbers with extended family or friends.
4) Keep your credit card PIN numbers and bank account safely hidden.
5) When reviewing bank accounts and statements, report or question anything you are not familiar with.
6) Credit reports should be reviewed as often as possible for errors.
7) It is very important to shred any receipts or old documents before you throw them out.
It won't be easy to protect ourselves from identity theft. Even when we take the 7 steps listed above, the fact remains that our personal information is still out there and anyone can get a hold of it.
Identity theft is a frequent and serious crime. This has prompted several companies to introduce identity theft protection services. Is it recommended that these services be considered? Well, that is up to each individual, however, it might make a difference if one were to get an identity theft protection service that warns them as soon as new credit is issued in their name or their address is changed. Then there is a higher chance of preventing the theft from progressing, by alerting the proper authorities. Having a service that alerts you when your personal information has just been used to open a new account can prove to save hours of work and can provide peace of mind, when used correctly.
These services are inexpensive and well worth researching. Many of these services offer a discount. On the internet you can find a discount code by searching for LifeLock promotional code , LifeLock promo code or something similar to help you save even more money.
