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Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes because it is so profitable for the thieves. The problem with identity theft is that you may not even know that it has happened to you until there is a problem with your credit rating or when you start receiving collection calls on cards you didn't know you had. Identity theft is a scary crime that can take years to correct, so your best bet is to try to make your data as identity theft proof as you possibly can. The first identity theft tip is to take that social security card out of your wallet. You should never, ever carry your social security card with you because it is a key piece of information that is needed to steal your identity. If your purse or wallet is stolen, the thief has your name, address and social security card, which is all he needs to steal your identity and make your life miserable. The same applies to your birth certificate and your passport. There are very few times that you might actually need the social security card. If you are hired at a new company, you will need the card. It is okay to take it to work that first day, but then you should remove it from your wallet and put it in a safe box in your house. Better still, buy a safe deposit box at the bank and put your social security card in there. Make sure that you get the carbon receipts whenever you use your credit card. Never give out your credit card information or your bank account data to anyone who calls your home. If you did not call the company, do not give out your information. Even if the person on the phone sounds legitimate, do not give out your information. One of the current scams going around is that the thief calls and already has your credit card information, and wants you to verify the CCV number on your card, which are the 3 digits on the back of it. Do not do it! With your CCV number, they have full access to your account. When you are in line at the ATM, make sure that you are shielding the keypad with your body so that onlookers cannot see what you are doing. Technology has come a long way, so it is very easy to use sophisticated spy equipment that is so microscopic that you won't even see it. That is how a lot of thieves can steal your ATM pin number. If someone looks suspicious, leave the ATM immediately and find another one. You need to trust your instincts. If something seems fishy to you then it probably is. It is better to be safe than to be sorry. Photocopy the front and back of all of your credit cards and keep those copies in a safe place. If your cards are ever stolen, will you even know the names of the cards of the amount of cards in your wallet? Probably not, and you certainly won't have the account numbers or even the telephone number that you will need to call to report your stolen cards. Keep this photocopied information in a safe place like a lock box or a safe deposit box. Get a credit report every year. It is a good idea to keep tabs on your credit profile. Compare the accounts that are on the credit history to the cards that are in your wallet. If there is something on your credit report that you do not recognize, contact the company immediately. While it is possible to have a card that you forgot about, you want to ensure that someone didn't open a credit card in your name. For more insights and additional information about Identity Theft Tips as well as finding other resources and information to protect you against identity theft, please visit our web site at http://www.idtheftprotectiontips.com
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identity theft tips, identity theft protection, identity theft prevention,
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