5 Tips to Prevent Identity Theft

If you've ever fallen for an identity theft scam, you're probably not only angry but embarrassed. if so, you're not alone. Identity theft is the fastest growing crime and affects a phenomenal number of people. According to the Federal Trade Commission, in the United States alone, over 27 million people have had their identities stolen in the last five years. Identity thieves can strike an unsuspecting victim through credit/debit card purchases, email scams, fake websites as well as other venues.

What can you do to protect yourself? First, be wary of anyone or any email that asks for the following information:
-Social Security Number
-Date of Birth
-Full Name
-Bank Account Number
-Mother's Maiden Name
-Credit Card Number
-Any other personal information

Just because someone asks for personal information does not make them a scam artist. There are many legitimate businesses that require some pieces of personal information in order to process transactions, check consumer credit, or even set up direct deposits or automatic payments. That's one reason identity theft is so prevalent. They often mimic legitimate businesses and business practices. In order to keep yourself safe from identity theft, it will help to remember the following tips:
1. Don't provide personal information on your web pages, blogs or message boards.
2. Be careful when using ATM machines or using your card in public places. Identity thieves can confiscate your debit/credit card number and PIN number via binoculars, camera phones or by simply looking over your shoulder.
3. Don't give personal information over the telephone unless you initiated the call. You never know who is really on the other end of the line when someone calls you.
4. Never toss your store receipts in the garbage. Invest in a paper shredder and use it.
5. Keep tabs on your credit card. If it becomes lost or stolen, report it to the issuing company immediately.

As an added protection, be sure to check your credit report annually. You may want to do this yourself or invest in a reputable credit monitoring service. The three major credit reporting agencies are:
-Experian, 1-888-397-3742
-Equifax, 1-800-685-1111
-TransUnion, 1-800-916-8800

If you do find yourself a victim of identity theft, it isn't too late to take action. You may contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation and report it. Also, due to the rise in online identity theft, the FBI has partnered with the NW3C, the National White Collar Crime Center, to form IC3, the Internet Crime Complaint Center. You may also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission. While it does help to report identity theft in order to prevent identity thieves from scamming others, once your identity is stolen it can be difficult and time-consuming to re-establish your good name. Your best bet is to prevent identity theft before it ever happens.