Personal Banking: Tips to Avoid Identity Theft
While there has always been the fear of theft throughout history, it has only been in recent years that more enterprising individuals have resorted to stealing someone�s actual identity. As a result, theft takes on a much more personal note than it once did, and citizens must protect themselves in new and creative ways from unscrupulous parties. It is not always easy � and nothing is completely foolproof � but there are steps that can be taken to ensure a more secure environment when your identity comes into the picture.
When sharing personal information with anyone � such as critical numbers that relate to accounts or credit cards � know who you are speaking with before divulging any such data. If you have a firmly established relationship with your bank and feel comfortable speaking with a familiar representative on the phone, that is fine. If, on the other hand, you are speaking with a complete stranger from a company with which you are unfamiliar or only vaguely familiar, it is best to avoid releasing this type of information.
Do not make a habit of sharing your social security number with others. Too many people take it for granted that they must supply information of this sort whenever asked. That is not always true, and you should confirm that it is absolutely necessary before giving this number to someone else � and never do this over the phone. You should only share it with persons of an official capacity � in a face-to-face scenario � or on forms that require such information to be present. Avoid using this number on checks; some people go so far as to have it printed, along with their name, address and phone number on the top left side of the new checks that they order. Do not make that critical mistake.
Keep careful watch of your credit card activity. Your physical card is not needed to make purchases toward your account. Simply by possessing the number that is printed on the card, someone can make charges against your credit by making online or telephone purchases. Many people do not scrutinize their itemized billing statement each month, and thieves are getting away with a fortune in merchandise as a result of this lackadaisical approach.
Another item to monitor is your credit report. Even if you are unaware that someone has used your identity to charge items, your credit report will reflect poor credit ratings when these bills go unpaid. As a result, they will have the merchandise, and you will end up with damaged or destroyed credit which can be nearly impossible to erase once it is been put on your record.
Take care in what you choose to carry in your wallet. Any type of informational card can be stolen and used to steal your identity. For those items that you feel must be carried, make photocopies of both sides so that you will have ready access to numbers or expiration dates, if the need arises to cancel credit cards or report that a license, credit card or similar information has been stolen. Never carry your social security card in your wallet � it is unnecessary and is a critical tool for the stealing of someone�s identity. Memorize your social security number and leave the card in a secure location that is separate from your physical person.
Other steps that can be taken to protect your identity are making payments from safe locations, shredding your personal documents that are no longer needed and removing your name from all marketing lists. These simple steps could mean the difference between protecting your identity and being arrested for crimes that someone else committed in your name.
About the Author
Ellen Leppol is the owner and operator of Fi Banking which is a useful resource about banking matters. For any comments or questions about this article, please go to: http://www.fibanking.com mailto:ellenleppol@mail.com
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