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Preventing Identity Theft
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Ralph Winn

Ralph Winn is a writer for the website Home Security Store and has written numerous articles about Home Security. Burglary prevention is on the minds of us all every time we leave our home. Adding a home security system to your home increases your protection level and adds value to your home. The Home Security Store is the leading provider for security locks, security systems and alarm monitoring. The demand for high quality security products has increase over the years. WINN Security Products have proven their effectiveness and price value for years and are truly consumer oriented.

 
By Ralph Winn
Published on 11/7/2007
 
Thanks to the dramatic media, identity theft seems like a common occurrence, but statistics tell a different story.  In reality, the number of United Sates adult victims of identity theft has decreased from 9.3 million in 2005 to 8.4 million in 2007, according the 2007 Identity Fraud Survey Report released by Javelin Strategy and Research.  M and more Americans protect themselves better as they learn more effective ways of preventing identity theft.

Thanks to the dramatic media, identity theft seems like a common occurrence, but statistics tell a different story.  In reality, the number of United Sates adult victims of identity theft has decreased from 9.3 million in 2005 to 8.4 million in 2007, according the 2007 Identity Fraud Survey Report released by Javelin Strategy and Research.  M and more Americans protect themselves better as they learn more effective ways of preventing identity theft. 

 

The Top Ten Most Effective Tips for Preventing Identity Theft

 

  1. Never give out identifying information, be it in person, over the phone, through the Internet, or through the mail, unless you initiated the contact and are sure you are dealing with exactly who you think you are.  For example, if someone claiming to be from the bank calls you and asks you to “verify” information by sharing anything like your account number or passwords, hang up and call your bank directly.  When it comes to preventing identity theft, you should know that no legitimate bank or credit card company would call you out of the blue and start asking for identifying information.  Identity thieves can use your information to set up a new bank account in your name or engage in credit card or check fraud.

 

  1. Keep personal information private.  If you must have passwords or account information written down, store it in a secure place.  Make sure you shred any bills or credit cards statements, or anything with personal information on it, before throwing it away.  Criminals have been known to go “dumpster diving” to steal personal information carelessly thrown away.  By cutting off their “supply,” you go a long way in preventing identity theft at the source. 

 

  1. Be clever with passwords.  Don’t make it easy for someone to guess your PIN or your passwords.  Avoid common (and easily identifiable) passwords like your mother’s maiden name or your pet’s name.  For your PIN, avoid birthdays, anniversaries, and street addresses.  It’s best to use completely random numbers. 

 

  1. When you go out, carry the minimum necessary amount of credit cards, checks, and personal information. 

 

  1. Keep track of your billing cycles and statement deliveries.  If you notice a missing statement, call the bank immediately and ask if there’s a reason it is late.  A thief might have intercepted your bill and your personal information along with it.

 

  1. Use the mail system wisely.  Locking your mailbox keeps criminals from stealing your statements.  If you don’t have a locking mailbox, post outgoing bill payments through the post office and always promptly remove your mail from your mailbox. 

 

  1. Scrutinize monthly statements.  Read your credit card and bank statements line for line, making sure every purchase and withdrawal was authorized.

 

  1. Check your credit report.  Your credit report is annually provided free by each of the three major credit agencies (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion).  Check all three agencies’ reports carefully to ensure the information is accurate. 

 

  1. Eliminate those dangerous “You’re pre-approved!” credit cards that thieves love so much.  You can ask not to receive any more of those kinds of offers by calling by calling (888) 5 OPT OUT.

 

  1. Reduce pesky telephone solicitations by sending your name, address, and telephone number to:  DMA Telephone Preference Service, P.O. Box 9014, Farmingdale, NY 11735-9014.  Preventing identity theft is about more than outsmarting the thieves.  It’s also about increasing your comfort, convenience, and everyday privacy.