How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

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Identity theft has become a national epidemic. Thieves are coming up with newer ways to defraud people every day. With identity theft, the offender can be so subtle that you may not even know you have been violated for several months.

Here are a few ways to make the likelihood of becoming a victim of identity theft likely.

1. Don’t give out personal or financial information unless necessary. This includes store credit applications, doctor’s offices and any other service that you use. Blanks for a social security number may come standard on many forms but you don’t have to fill it in. if a place of business asks for it, request a copy of their policy regarding personal customer information.
2. Shred it like lettuce. Shredders don’t cost much and they can save you a bundle. Cross cut shredders cut documents into smaller pieces and on an angle so it is harder for a thief to put them back together. What should you shred? Before you toss old bills, receipts of any kind, medical and insurance forms or expired credit and insurance cards, send them through the shredder.
3. Use your debit cards as credit cards when shopping. If you do, there is no need to enter a PIN number on the keypad. This eliminates the temptation for a thief to look over your shoulder to memorize your number.
4. Be aware that thieves do go through your trash. It sounds nasty and foul but if they think they will find personal information about you, they will do it. Even junk mail that you don’t open can give them enough information about you to get them started on a crime spree at your expense.
5. Ask a trusted family member to pick up your mail or stop your mail delivery service when on vacation. A dead giveaway to identity thieves that the occupants of the home are away is the amount of newspapers that pile up in the driveway. Stop all deliveries to your home while you are gone. It is a federal offense to steal mail, but if no one sees, the thieves can’t get caught. And, it’s easier to steal from a home mailbox than a metal postal box or a P.O. Box.
6. Investigate identity theft protection with your credit card companies. Many companies offer programs to register your credit cards to protect against fraudulent usage. If not, look into an identity theft company. Many of the things that you can do for free will protect you but if you can pay for the added protection it wouldn’t hurt.

Each year, thousands and thousands of people become the victim of identity thieves. Protect yourself with the above suggestions to make it that much harder for criminals to profit at the expense of your good name.

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11 Responses to “How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft”

1. Sea Fishing Rods says:

   July 19, 2009 at 6:31 pm

   I don’t think people realize how often and easily this can happen. great info thanks
2. Outdoor Living Furniture says:

   July 19, 2009 at 6:34 pm

   thanks so much for this wonderful post, I will have to be more careful in the future.
3. Tom Fiberblend says:

   July 20, 2009 at 3:34 am

   I actually had a problem with identity theft, before it happened I never thought it was a bad a people had said – but it happened to me so it can happen to anyone. I think the best tip is to never give out details unless you have to.

   I found my bank to be very understanding but don’t know how long that will last for
   Tom Fiberblend´s last blog ..Colon Cleansing Diary 1 Week On
4. Baby Nursery Bedding says:

   July 20, 2009 at 3:01 pm

   Unfortunately, there is a whole industry spawned from identity theft now and it’s not going to help the situation..

   Is this a new blog theme? I love it!

   Alphabet by Migi
5. chair says:

   July 20, 2009 at 8:02 pm

   It sounds nasty and foul but if they think they will find personal information about you, they will do it. Even junk mail that you don’t open can give them enough information about you to get them started on a crime spree at your expense.
6. Marlboro cigarette coupons says:

   July 21, 2009 at 1:29 am

   I lIke this blog, keep blogging bro. Thanks for this information
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7. UPrinting says:

   July 22, 2009 at 8:12 pm

   Certainly a lot of identity theft cases can be prevented if we are vigilant. These are wonderful tips that you’ve posted here, and these will really help in preventing one to become a victim of identity theft. A lot of people will benefit from putting into use the tips that you mentioned. Thanks!
8. cheap web hosting says:

   July 23, 2009 at 12:40 am

   This post is really valuable. Thank u very much for this information.
9. Sam Trend says:

   July 23, 2009 at 6:40 pm

   Thanks for advices! Such little things could cost you a lot if they get to the wrong hands.
10. LeRoy Mager says:

    July 31, 2009 at 7:23 am

    Good advice to help people understand how easy it is to become a victim of identity theft. I have found identity theft is more prevalent than most people realize. Thanks for the good information.
    LeRoy Mager´s last blog ..Good Credit Maintenance?
11. Annie says:

    August 6, 2009 at 11:15 pm

    Thanks for the advices Tamara… This is very helpful, this makes me aware and have to be more careful in the future.
    Annie´s last blog ..Bankruptcy: What to expect?