How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

Identity Theft is real and it occurs everywhere. In 2008, there 10 million victims of identity theft in the United States and in 2009, one out of every ten people became a victim of identity theft. It is very important for everyone to protect themselves from becoming a victim of this heartless crime especially while we are struggling through these difficult economic times. Here are easy ways to protect yourself from Identity Theft. Identity theft causes the victim nothing but trouble and it can take months and even years to get your good name back.

Every time you go to a financial facility to withdraw cash, be aware of your surroundings. If you are using an ATM, and there are others around you trying to get a peek at your personal information, take a step closer to the ATM and hold your other free hand over the screen or if you are wearing a large coat, hold the coat out with one hand and cover the screen.

Check your mailbox outside of your home everyday. There is always some company sending out credit cards to send off for, your bank statements sit there, household utility bills and other personal information is right there for anyone to get their hands on.

Never give out any personal information over the phone to anyone.

Purchase a paper shredder and shred every document that has your name, address, phone number and Social Security number on it. Destroying every bill and financial statements will definitely prevent a thief from being able to gain any of your personal information.

Keep your wallets and billfolds secure. Your credit cards and Drivers License are in there and this is the easiest and quickest way to become a victim of Identity Theft.

Every week, carefully review all of your financial statements and if you notice any unusual activities, call your financial institute immediately.

Protect your Social Security Number from getting into the hands of a desperate person. Keep your Social Security Card in a safety deposit box or in a safe at home and whenever you know that you will need it, you can get it out at that time.

Just recently a member of my family had an ATM bank card stolen and the thief that stole it was spending money right and left. This family member did not realize that she had dropped her ATM card after her last use of it until the next day. The good thing is that when she called her bank and told them what had happened, they removed all of the charges that had been made. This was a good ending to a horrible situation and this type of activity happens day to day.

Sources:

Personal Experience

Federal Trade Commission Website
www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft