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Common Sense Best Method To Stop Identity Theft

admin — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 08:30:16 +0000

Many experts agree that there is no sure way to stop identity theft but there are steps that can be taken to reduce the chances of it happening. While many criminals have turned to the electronic media as the easiest way to obtain personal information, many of the methods used to stop identity theft before the use of the internet are still required to limit the availability of the information. In the past, digging through trashcans was considered the thief’s most popular method of stealing information, but computers have made their job so much easier.

In order to stop identity theft people must take on the attitude that their personal information, such as name, social security number and driver license information are the most valuable assets they have. With this information I hand, it is easy to assume someone else’s identity and take control over their life. They can obtain a new social security card and file for address changes, insuring it will take longer for the theft to become apparent.

Consistently checking a person’s credit history can also help stop identity theft. Attempts to open new accounts in their name will be revealed and the credit bureaus can put a hold on a person’s access to credit information, providing they can prove they are whom they say they are, and show they want to do this to help stop identity theft.

Keeping Personal Information Private

One of the best ways to protect against identity theft is to understand the value of the information. Many people conduct business online and presume that companies are safeguarding their personal information. With many online companies taking stringent steps to protect their customer’s privacy and stop identity theft, criminals are turning to methods that often result in the individual revealing their information willingly.

Phishing is a common scam among crooks with which they send an email to a person that looks like an official notification from their financial institution. They may even say they are working with them to stop identity theft and include a link to their security site to help access the site for security purposes. However, instead of helping the customer stop identity theft, they are actually looking for account information, including passwords, with which to drain their account.

People should never give their personal information on a site included in an email nor over the telephone. Just because someone calls and claims they need to verify information does not make it a legitimate call. In order to stop identity theft everyone needs to guard their personal information with their life as it is their financial life that is at stake.

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Common Sense Best Method To Stop Identity Theft

admin — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 20:04:07 +0000

Go here for more about Identity Theft Facts and Avoid Identity Theft

Stop Identity Theft Happening To You

admin — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:44:08 +0000

Sad but never the less true, the majority of identity theft victims actually know the thief. A flat or work mate, neighbor, brother or sister-in-law and even a Son or Daughter are much more likely to steal your identity than the stereotypical Nigerian sat in his bedroom in a far away continent with a laptop. If you want to stop identity theft you will need to come to terms with this fact.

Now you know who the potential thief is, you will have to develop a little mistrust if you want to stop identity theft happening to you. This might sound bad and you might feel sure that X person would never do that to you but cash is a huge motivator and it will do no harm to remove any temptation.

Keep all paperwork etc. hidden away from prying eyes and don’t leave a check book laying around the home or at work. It’s always best to memorize your social security number if possible but failing that, don’t leave it anywhere unattended such as in your desk draw at work.

Checking your credit report only identifies your identity has been stolen but at least it means you can stop it before it gets any worse. You are entitled to free annual credit reports which you can get from www.annualcreditreport.com. If you spot any unusual activity report it straight away.

You can also place fraud alerts on your credit file for free which is basically what Life Lock charge you $12 a month for. A fraud alert can stop identity theft because it tells any credit company that they should contact you in person to verify it is you applying for the credit card, loan etc.

You can find out how to do place a fraud alert with the 3 credit bureaus at www.ftc.gov/idtheft

To learn much more about how to proactively stop identity theft, check out our ebook Identity Theft Protection.