Lee Patrick asked:
There are people who make it a career out of trying to find ways to steal your identity. They have no concern for your family, well being or freedom. I have even heard of people who have had to go to jail because someone used there identity in a crime and they couldn’t prove otherwise. Don’t you owe it to yourself to take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your family. You don’t have to take my word for it or believe me, but do your own research. I was a victim and my only intention is to give you some more information and the tools to battle id theft.
The main step in protecting your info is to be aware and to stay proactive. Protect your purse and wallet at all times. Don’t carry your Social Security number or card, but leave it in a secure place. This is a common mistake that people make. But if your wallet is loss or stolen then the identity thieves have everything they need to start taking over your id. He has access to your drivers license, credit and debit cards and your social security number. Carry only the identification information and the credit and debit cards that you’ll actually need when you go out. Instead of carrying your social security card out keep it in a safe place.
Before you share any personal information, confirm that you are dealing with a legitimate organization. Check an organizations website by typing its URL in the address line, rather than cutting and pasting it. Many companies post scam alerts when their name is used improperly. Or call customer service using the number listed on your account statement or in the telephone book. Also, check your bills and statements as soon as they come and be on the lookout for any fraudulent charges. If you notice something out of the ordinary then call your bank immediately. If you notice your credit or debit cards missing then you should call your bank right away. Even if it was a day or two ago, because your bank will close your account and remove any charges that you did not make. They will also send you another card in the mail within 7-10 business days.
Don’t give out personal information on the phone, through the mail, or on the Internet unless you have initiated the contact and are sure you know who you’re dealing with. Identity thieves are clever, and may pose as representatives of banks, Internet service providers, and even government agencies to get people to reveal their Social Security number, mother’s maiden name, account numbers, and other identifying information. It’s not hard for a con artist to pretend he is legit over the phone. If telemarketers are bothering you constantly for no reason that you can tell then you can have your number listed in the DO NOT CALL registry. Simply go to http://www.donotcall.gov
Keep your personal information in a secure place at home, especially if you have roommates. If you employ outside help or are having work done in your house. Share your personal information only with those family members who have a legitimate need for it. Keep your purse or wallet in a safe place at work. Do the same with copies of administrative forms that have your sensitive personal information.
These are just some steps that you can take to battle identity theft. There is so much more information on the subject and you owe it to yourself to do your research. The identity thieves are looking for new ways to steal from us so we have to do our due diligence as well. Your identity is your responsibility and will not reflect anybody but yourself and maybe your spouse. Imagine being denied for a loan because you have several open accounts that haven’t been paid. Do your research and make sure it doesn’t happen to you.
Phyllis
There are people who make it a career out of trying to find ways to steal your identity. They have no concern for your family, well being or freedom. I have even heard of people who have had to go to jail because someone used there identity in a crime and they couldn’t prove otherwise. Don’t you owe it to yourself to take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your family. You don’t have to take my word for it or believe me, but do your own research. I was a victim and my only intention is to give you some more information and the tools to battle id theft.
The main step in protecting your info is to be aware and to stay proactive. Protect your purse and wallet at all times. Don’t carry your Social Security number or card, but leave it in a secure place. This is a common mistake that people make. But if your wallet is loss or stolen then the identity thieves have everything they need to start taking over your id. He has access to your drivers license, credit and debit cards and your social security number. Carry only the identification information and the credit and debit cards that you’ll actually need when you go out. Instead of carrying your social security card out keep it in a safe place.
Before you share any personal information, confirm that you are dealing with a legitimate organization. Check an organizations website by typing its URL in the address line, rather than cutting and pasting it. Many companies post scam alerts when their name is used improperly. Or call customer service using the number listed on your account statement or in the telephone book. Also, check your bills and statements as soon as they come and be on the lookout for any fraudulent charges. If you notice something out of the ordinary then call your bank immediately. If you notice your credit or debit cards missing then you should call your bank right away. Even if it was a day or two ago, because your bank will close your account and remove any charges that you did not make. They will also send you another card in the mail within 7-10 business days.
Don’t give out personal information on the phone, through the mail, or on the Internet unless you have initiated the contact and are sure you know who you’re dealing with. Identity thieves are clever, and may pose as representatives of banks, Internet service providers, and even government agencies to get people to reveal their Social Security number, mother’s maiden name, account numbers, and other identifying information. It’s not hard for a con artist to pretend he is legit over the phone. If telemarketers are bothering you constantly for no reason that you can tell then you can have your number listed in the DO NOT CALL registry. Simply go to http://www.donotcall.gov
Keep your personal information in a secure place at home, especially if you have roommates. If you employ outside help or are having work done in your house. Share your personal information only with those family members who have a legitimate need for it. Keep your purse or wallet in a safe place at work. Do the same with copies of administrative forms that have your sensitive personal information.
These are just some steps that you can take to battle identity theft. There is so much more information on the subject and you owe it to yourself to do your research. The identity thieves are looking for new ways to steal from us so we have to do our due diligence as well. Your identity is your responsibility and will not reflect anybody but yourself and maybe your spouse. Imagine being denied for a loan because you have several open accounts that haven’t been paid. Do your research and make sure it doesn’t happen to you.
Phyllis
