Tips to Avoid Identity Theft

Identity theft is a modern introduction in the world of theft and cheating. In such cases, a person uses the personal identifying information like driver's license, social security number or credit card details of some other person to for his own gains. Identity theft has been on rise, which is a serious concern as it could be very dangerous and can affect the credit-standing and financial standing of the victim.

In this piece of writing we will be discussing various ways to avoid identity theft.

• First and foremost, monitor your own credit report. Every person should keep their financial statements in a safe place and never discuss any personal financial matters with others. Unused credit cards should be canceled, and never reveal personal information over the telephone.

• The Social Security Number on a loan or credit card application should be completely removed and the original credit report should be shredded or returned.

• Destroy your old bank and credit card statements with a crosscut shredder before throwing them in the trash. This would also apply to any junk mail too which could contain information. Shredding paperwork helps to prevent identity thieves from getting personal information.

• Apply for the removal of your name from the marketing lists of credit reporting bureaus. Doing this will not only guard against 'pre-approved credit' offers but also avoid leakage of such information to undesirable persons. Opting for the deletion of your name from Direct Marketing Mail Preference Services, and Telephone Preference Services used by banks and some marketers is also advisable.

• Guard your Social Security number, which could give important details of other documents like a credit report, and banking accounts. Your Social Security number should never be printed on checks or any other public documents. One should also order a Social Security Earnings and Benefits statement at least once a year to check for discrepancies.

• Never carry your credit card to places where they are not needed. There is a risk of it falling from ones pocket and ones credit information falling into wrong hands. You might suffer credit and financial damages due to identity theft.

• Take adequate precautions and have all the information regarding credit card and bank information in duplicate for prompt action. You should make a copy of both sides of their licenses and credit cards with details of all the account numbers, expiration dates, and telephone numbers by using a Photocopying machine. This would prove very helpful in tracing these items should they be stolen.

• One should never mail bill payments or checks from home. There is every chance of it being stolen from the mailbox. It is best to go drop checks and bill payments in drop boxes or pay on-line.

• Maintain a record of the weekly credit card payments and crosscheck them with the credit statements received. Then you could be sure of not being overcharged, or charged for items bought by an identity thief.

• Subscribe for a credit report monitoring service. This would help to easily track fraudulent dealings and catch the perpetrator.

By following these precautions you will be limiting the opportunity for anyone to steal your identity and use it to obtain money and goods by fraudulent means and you will be protecting yourself and your family from the problems which these crimes would otherwise cause you.