Identity Theft Prevention

Concerning identity theft prevention you need to know what you can do to keep yourself safe from this rapidly growing offense.  

In most parts of the world, identity theft is a rapid growing offense. In United States, a study was conducted last 2004 revealing how serious the situation of the crime is. The Federal Trade Commission recently concluded that almost 9.1 million individuals are victims of identity theft crimes.  

Here are a few important identity theft prevention tips.

• Do not leave the receipt or pay slip of any ATM station or gas pump purchase behind.  Get into the habit of taking it with you. Be observant with details. Always make sure to lock and sort out files for bills, and bank account receipts. Before throwing those things away make sure to shred them first. Bits and pieces of information can be used by a seasoned identity thief.

• In a current investigation done by the FBI, 30 percent of the victims admitted that they had been a victim of identity theft by a co-worker or a friend. In this case, be very wary of the people around you. Don't trust your bank and personal business documents to anyone else. Most of the suspects know the pattern and lifestyles of their victims.

• Get a copy of your credit reports and statements to insure that your identity is not being used by another person.  Make sure to get it from a reliable source like credit banking and bureaus.

• Opt out of the mailing list option when you sign up for your credit report. The bank mailing list must come from the contacts of credit bureaus.  Call the bank's head office to get an idea which mailing list is safe from identity theft.

• Never write down your social security card number on your checks. Many individuals can read it and can use it against the account.  It is best to put your social security card number in a secured area of your home.  However, if you do wish to carry it in your wallet (as stated on the card), keep in a secret compartment in your wallet or purse.

• Never print your bank account number on any document such as your drivers license for example.  

• Delete any spam email messages that requires an account number. More than likely it is a fraudulent strategy to get vital information from you.  Also, stop all credit card offers from the internet. There are some hackers that can corrupt the bank notifications. Installing firewall and anti spy ware software can help. These software programs can protect your computer passwords and other personal data. 

• When getting a new batch of checks, it is important to initial the printed name instead of the whole name. It is also important to get the check from the bank where you purchased the account. 

• When you register for online banking, keep your password private. Also your pin number must not be carried inside your purse or wallet. Any personal information should not be given over the phone concerning your banking, name, address, etc.  This is probably one of the most important identity theft prevention steps!
  

Identity Theft Prevention

If an individual feels that he or she is a victim of an identity theft, they should contact the nearest Police Department or bank where they do business.  Although the police offers little help in the battle against this type of offense, you will need a police report to give to all three credit reporting agencies which are given below with addresses, phone numbers and links.

For the best identity theft prevention, keep your private financial information in a safe place always.

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Identity Theft Prevention and all associated materials and related studies are the complete work of the site's author, Margaret Lukasik, and cannot be copied by any means without her express written permission.