Help! How Can I Protect My Credit Information From Identity Thieves?

Freezing Your Credit Report

For added security, you should know how to place a security freeze on your credit report. This is a vital step that can be taken in an emergency situation and will help to give you full control over access to your credit. You may take such measures if you are worried about suffering from fraud or identity theft, or if you have just become a victim of this malicious act.

A security freeze will prevent the credit bureau reporting agencies from releasing your credit report to creditors so an identity thief cannot obtain credit in your name. When a freeze is in place, if you need to open new credit accounts, you will not be able to open new credit accounts yourself without going through special procedures to verify your identity.

Before you take action, consider which components go into freezing your credit report. For example, you will need to determine whether or not you are required to pay a fee. After the freeze is in place, you will need to contact the three main credit reporting bureaus in the United States. They are Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Again, be prepared to provide your personal information during this process.

Avoiding Identity Theft

Although it may not possible to completely avoid identity theft, you can take steps to reduce your chances of getting caught in a sticky situation. Start with some basic ways to protect your credit when you are in public. For example, be mindful of what you put into your mailbox, such as bill payments. It may be necessary to lock your mailbox for added protection. When you are using the ATM machine, block your fingers from the views of others if there are people waiting behind you. Sometimes, a criminal may use a phone to record your fingers as you are typing in your PIN number. You can improve your identity theft protection online by using only secure sites and by ensuring your credit card number is being input to an encrypted webpage.

Protect Your Credit

You can avoid credit card troubles by determining the most effective ways to protect your credit. Begin by deciding whether you really need to pay extra for available identity theft services. If you are careful about your internet use, taking measures such as clearing important information such as your login names and passwords and purchasing items online with a credit card, you are already helping to protect yourself.

Aside from being aware of your online activity, you should keep a close watch on your credit card and bank statements. In doing so, you will be aware of any unusual purchases and can act as soon as possible. It is also helpful to look over your credit report on a routine basis to monitor for any unusual activity. If you find anything that doesn’t look right, be sure to report it. Do not simply ignore it, hoping it will go away. Be proactive and protect yourself.

If you are wondering how to protect my credit from identity theft, the answers might be simpler than they seem. For many people, keeping a close track of their purchases and taking measures to erase passwords and login information from computer screens can be enough to prevent identity theft. When in public, be sure to note who is around you when you are at an ATM machine, and frequently look at your credit and bank statements so you can catch unusual activity early on.

Joy Mali is an active blogger who is fond of writing articles on identity theft and advising people how to identify the theft signs and prevent identity theft. Follow her on Twitter to know more on how to protect yourself from identity theft.

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