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Identity Theft Prevention Tips
Identity theft is a
growing type of fraud worldwide. With the boom in Internet communications and
commerce more and more information is submitted electronically, which makes
identity theft a growing problem worldwide. Identity theft involves
stealing someone's personal identifying information (such as name, address,
and date of birth, social security number, credit card numbers, and
driver’s license numbers). Criminals who steal this personal
information will use it to fraudulently obtain credit, money, goods,
services and other property, including insurance policies.
Upon falsely assuming
an identity, thieves will commit crimes including: opening phony bank
accounts, establishing insurance policies, stealing from established bank
accounts, obtaining unauthorized credit cards, applying for car or house
loans, and leasing apartments with false names.
Shred or tear up any personal financial documents before throwing them in
the trash.
THIS IS THE MOST COMMON WAY CRIMINALS GATHER YOUR INFORMATION!
Do not print personal identifiers such as your social security number, date
of birth or driver's license number of your check.
Use your social security number only when necessary.
Before revealing any information, online or in person, ask how it will be
used.
Do not answer personal, financial or identifying questions to an unknown
telephone caller.
Pay attention to billing cycles. ID thieves may reroute bills to another
address to hide their illegal activities.
Carefully review your monthly credit card statements, checking for any
unauthorized use.
Get a copy of your credit report at least once a year to check for errors.
Eliminate the number of cards you carry, especially your social security
card and passport.
The Federal Trade Commission has extensive information on what to do if you
are the victim of identity theft. Click on the link below to go to that web
site:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/idtheft.htm
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