Identity Theft Articles
Day to Day Prevention of Identity Theft
By Jim
Travers
©Jim
Travers - All Rights Reserved
http://www.MyIDTheftHelp.com
You should know that you’re
facing the threat of identity theft or fraud every time you
switch on your computer, use your credit or ATM card, answer
the phone, throw the garbage out or leave your home. In a
nutshell, almost all the common tasks that make up your daily
routine are vulnerable to identity theft.
Learn what possible courses of
action you can take and habits to develop to increase your
protection against identity theft.
WHO’S
LISTENING?
While it is a far-fetched idea that your
phone may be bugged, it is still possible. What's more likely
is that your ordinary phone conversations are overheard by
someone else. Rather than take the risk of becoming another
victim of ID theft however, you should always avoid mentioning
any personal information over the phone unless you’re
absolutely sure that no one may be eavesdropping on your
conversation. Accepting phone call orders at work for instance
could be inadvisable, especially if you don’t have a private
office!
USING YOUR
ATM
Try to refrain from using ATMs that are not
very public and where your back is particularly vulnerable to
lurking robbers. Use a variety of ATM booths as well because
frequent visits to one particular ATM may catch the attention
of other people and make them consider you as a possible victim
of stickups.
Change your password immediately
if you open a new account. Don't use the same password for all
of your ATM accounts. Thirdly, choose a password that can’t be
easily guessed even by your mom, partner or best
friend.
Make sure that no one behind you
can easily see the PIN you’re entering. Key in the codes
quickly and do not count your money right away. Place it inside
your bag then count them only when you’re in a safe and private
setting.
USING CREDIT
CARDS
Never let a cashier take your credit card to any place where
you won’t be able to see what he or she is doing with your
card. Whenever you receive a new credit card, sign them
immediately. Do not let anyone stare too long at your signature
because the other person may be trying to see if he can forge
your signature. Do not allow anyone to make a photocopy of your
credit card unless it’s necessary or he has a valid
reason.
PAPERS AND
CARDS
Always take only the least amount of cards
and papers with you when traveling. Keep the rest under lock
and key. Do not leave your driver’s license in your car as
anyone with a good camera can use the zoom option and obtain
classified information about yourself. Shred any unwanted
documents before throwing them; burning them however is better
so that there’s no chance whatsoever for dumpster divers to get
hold of important information about you.
SECURING YOUR
HOME
If you don’t have a security alarm installed in your home,
consider having one. Always check if all windows and doors are
properly locked before leaving your home.
CHOOSING WHO TO TRANSACT
WITH
Identity fraud and theft often goes hand in hand with scams. Be
careful then of people who offer you business opportunities
that seem too good to be true. Ask for a valid ID and
documentary proof of their “businesses”. Have it confirmed with
the proper authorities to see if it’s truly
legitimate.
ANSWERING UNSOLICITED
SURVEYS
Beware of people who call you on the phone or send you email
regarding surveys that require you to give your complete name
and address as well as other equally important records about
yourself. These so-called surveys may just be their way of
obtaining information about you and using it for personal
benefit.
REGULARLY CHECK YOUR
COMPUTER FOR VIRUS
Use your preferred virus
protection system to regularly check your computer for any
virus or spyware that could have infiltrated your machine.
Spybots and viruses can provide hackers easier access to
personal information stored in your personal computer if you're
not careful.
PROPER CARE FOR PERSONAL
MAIL
Never leave mail in your mailbox overnight; deposit outgoing
mail immediately at trusted outlets or directly at the post
office and take incoming mail inside upon delivery. Check
with the post office regularly if they still have your address;
you may be a victim of ID fraud already and some of your mail
may have been directed to a fake address. Lastly, inform your
letter carrier if you plan to go away on a trip and leave them
the address where you wish your mail to be temporarily
redirected.
Keep these tips in mind and
you'll have better chances than others of fighting id
theft.
=========================================
Worried about Identity
Theft or Online Fraud?
A
complete information pack, together with
self help action plans to stop ID thieves in their tracks can
be found in the 'MY ID Theft Help' book package published by My
Help Books. Visit => http://www.MyIDTheftHelp.com
=========================================
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