Identity Theft Prevention Tips

Knowing about identity theft facts can assist you in protecting your personal information. Make sure you understand how your information can be assessed, the ways in which it can be used, and how you can protect your information. You should also find out how these thieves are able to get away with it.

It is scary to think about just how vulnerable each of us is in regards to identity theft. You may find yourself thinking about it once your wallet or purse has been lost or stolen. Anyone who has it can access your credit cards, PIN numbers, and social security numbers if they are in there. Other methods of getting such information include over the internet, the phone, watching people when they use an ATM, and going through other people's trash.

The crime of identity theft involves someone taking pieces of your information and then using them for their own personal gain. The information they seek includes social security numbers, your driver's license number, and your credit card information. They use what they collect to buy various items. The result is your credit is ruined. It is also very complicated to remove yourself from the consequences credit wise. There are several identity theft prevention tips that can help you.

It is important for both individuals and businesses to report any instances of identity theft immediately. Contact the police as well as your bank and credit card companies. Businesses need to use caution in regards to the methods they use for collecting and storing personal information that belongs to their customers. They also provide their customers with identity theft prevention tips in the form of handouts and seminars.

Identity Theft Prevention Tips for Protecting your Personal and Business Information

For business related transactions, it is a good idea to have a fraud alert on accounts. It is also helpful to print out cash register receipts and to cut off credit card numbers so they can't be used fraudulently. Never send anything out by regular mail to customers that have their personal information on it as it could fall into the wrong hands.

Each of the three credit reporting agencies is required by law to provide you with one copy of your credit report annually free of charge. Make sure you review them thoroughly and report any discreprencies immediately. You need to be careful with your social security number as well. Never carry it in your purse or wallet. Don't place your social security number or driver's license number on your checks either.

When you are providing your personal information orally, pay attention to who is within earshot. It may be a good idea to write it down instead of saying it out loud. Make sure you take the time to shred documents with your personal information before you throw them away. Never give your personal information out to those who try to sell you items over the phone. You don't know who is really calling you.

If you receive any suspicious looking e-mails, delete them without opening them or replying. It is important that you follow these tips to prevent identity theft from happening to your or your business. Make sure you shred any pre approved credit card offers as thieves can get them out of your trash cans.

Perhaps the most practical identity theft prevention tip is discovering just where your lifestyle and habits are most vulnerable to attacks. If you can stop a thief in his tracks, it will save you loads of time and money trying to deal with the damage later. Following is an identity theft prevention tip list to get you started.

Identity Theft Prevention Tip #1: Have Credit, Will Shop!
Did you know that it's just asking for trouble to use a debit card when shopping on the Internet? Yes, credit cards are often figure in identity theft horror stories, but they still offer better protection from thieves than the alternative (e.g. checks or debit cards).

Not only will you be able to monitor charges, under the federal law governing credit cards, you can also dispute the charges on your bill. And you don't have to be liable if you've been victimized.

So take this identity theft prevention tip to heart: Using a check or debit card will just leave you open to bank fraud. It gives the thief the opportunity to empty out your bank account before you even realize what hit you.

Identity Theft Prevention Tip #2: Don't Write It Down!
No matter what the teller or credit officer says, do not write down your credit card number on your check. The practice violates the law in lots of states because it opens you up to fraud.

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Identity Theft Prevention Tip #3: Pick Up the Receipt!
You may be too harassed or laden with purchases to want to bother picking up you credit card receipts. But leaving them where a wily thief can get them leaves you open to attack.

And if you're in the habit of picking them up but then tossing them in the nearest trash bin, you'd better change this unwise habit as well. Dumpster diving is a common practice of identity thieves.

Also, here's another identity theft prevention tip: The safest place for your receipt is your wallet, NOT your shopping bag! Shoppers are constantly at risk of having their purchases grabbed away from them. So beware.

Identity Theft Prevention Tip #4: Watch for Skimmers!
For a final identity theft prevention tip, keep your credit card in sight. Here's why: A dishonest store or restaurant employee can use a skimmer (a small handheld gadget to swipe a card to get the account info) on your credit card's magnetic stripe.

The data can later be downloaded into a PC and used for online shopping or to make credit card counterfeits. So stop a thief in his tracks by following the store clerk or getting up from the table to observe how your card is used. The minor inconvenience can save you a world of trouble and regret.