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Nowadays, there is going to be a time in your life when you either know someone that has been affected by identity fraud or it happens to you. There are a lot of people out there that have no problem committing identity fraud and they will go to great lengths to do so. As you may believe that your life is just normal or average, there is always going to be someone out there that would love to have your life style. So don’t drop your guard be proactive and confront identity fraud.
The best way to protect yourself from identity fraud is prevention here are some good ideas to keep your good credit.
Using the ATMs, sometimes there are people around you that you believe that are too close. Be aware of them and make sure that while you are pushing your pin number that no-one can see, this is a great way to prevent identity fraud. So take some measures to cover your entry, you can turn your body towards the other way or you can cover your hand with the other one.
Be aware of those credit receipts, as some use this as an opportunity to commit identity fraud, so watch your receipts as some still have your full account number on it. Keep the receipts in a safe place until you balance your account.
Purchase a shredder to curtail identity fraud. Don’t forget to shred any and all unwanted documents especially with personal information on it. Anything with your personal and confidential information on it you will want to shred. Have you often wondered about your garbage? There are times that your garbage is sifted through as your sleeping, so remember to shred those documents.
Monitor all of your accounts carefully, you will immediately know if there has been an unauthorized purchased. If some credit cards aren’t being used close the account. Sometimes cutting your credit card themselves, might not be enough to prevent identity fraud.
Limit yourself to a few credit cards. Remember the more you have the harder it will be to keep track of them and make it harder for identity fraud to happen to you.
Don’t forget credit reports. It is a good idea to receive your credit report at least once a year so you will be able to better manage your credit and see quicker if identity fraud has happened to you. And if any discrepancies come up you will be able to address them immediately.
Mailing your bill, when you pay a bill with a check it is always better to drop them directly off at the post office. When other people have access to your mailbox, your check can easily be altered and address to another as this has contributed to identity fraud for many.
When moving, contact all of your creditors and notify them of your move with your new and complete address. You definitely don’t want personal information delivered to the old address. If you feel that you have missed a statement call your creditor immediately to better prevent identity fraud.
Your social security number, this is one set of numbers that you need to remember. Never have your card out where it can be stolen. Only give it out when absolutely necessary and never have it on your checks. This number in the wrong hands can be absolutely devastating to you and your credit, which is a true example of identity fraud.
Do not ever carry your social security card and your driver license together.
When shopping online make sure the merchant has the Trust-e symbol or a Better Business Bureau seal. As this will show that they are deemed trustworthy and/or have been independently audited against identity fraud.
Always make sure when purchasing online that the site is secured and in an encrypted as to prevent identity fraud.
And the final note on protecting yourself from identity fraud, when shopping online make sure that the online site offers a privacy policy. This will ensure your rights and their policy procedures to ensure your information is strictly guarded. |
