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| Tips for Protecting Yourself Against Identity Theft |
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| Written by John Brennan |
| Sunday, 17 August 2008 20:25 |
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You may be asking yourself, "Why do I have to protect myself against identity theft?" Everyone is a potential victim of identity fraud, and if rates continue to rise, soon everyone will know at least one person who has been a victim of identity theft. This is the sad truth of the world today. Protecting yourself against identity theft just makes sense. Often, the mail leaves the average consumer at a disadvantage. All those papers in envelopes might be necessary bills and/or pre-approved offers that make you think someone is taking notice of your hard-earned credit rating, but it could be the wrong people paying attention. Mail can come from thieves looking to steal your personal information and make you the victim of identity theft. The best way to minimize this danger and prevent identity theft from happening to you is to keep a close eye on the routine times your bills are mailed, as well as minimize the amount of information you receive in the mail. However, knowledge of the kinds of information that come from the postal worker is the best weapon against Identity Theft. Phone, electricity and other bills for utilities usually display a customers address, account numbers and contact details. This is information that an identity theft can use to fraudulently act on your behalf. Bank statements, pre-approved credit card offers and paycheck stubs are all gold-mines of information for criminals to turn you into a victim of identity theft. All this information is dangerous in the wrong hands. Pre-approved credit card offers also give would-be thieves the upper hand, and paycheck stubs from direct deposits give away your employer's name and address as well. Sometimes, even your pay rate and social security number will be included on the stub. Rather than crumple these documents and throw them away, invest in a shredder to fight against identity theft. Thieves even go as far as digging through your trash -- a practice called "Dumpster Diving" -- to get that one little piece of information that could turn you into a victim of identity theft. Many people throw out papers in the garbage, thinking no one would touch them amongst the food scraps. Think again. Do your best to remember to destroy any personal information and you'll be doing your job in protecting yourself against identity theft. About the Author: If your looking for a one stop annual credit report site that will give you information on protecting yourself against identity theft then check out: freeannualcreditreports101.com Kindly provided by LJ-Marketing.dk You are welcome to use this article on your own website, if you include the link just before this text. |
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