Protecting Yourself From Identity Theft
Tips To Protect Yourself From Identity Theft
A few common sense things to do to protect yourself from identity theft:
- Keep a close eye on your financial accounts and look for unusual activity. If you use a debit card for most of your transaction, switch to a credit card. They have stronger consumer protection.
- Install anti-spyware and anti-virus protection on your computer. Keep them updated.
- Avoid unsecured WiFi connections.
- Don't save passwords on your computer.
- Lock up sensitive financial information in a safe deposit box or in a secure place at home.
- Don't put private information on online social networking sites and warn your kids not to.
- Avoid leaving sensitive information or in your car.
- Get a PO Box for your mail.
- Shred documents with a cross-cut shredder, especially those pre-approved credit card or loan offers.
- Do not click on any email links supposedly from a bank or government agency like the IRS asking you to verify personal information. They do not contact people in that manner, they will usually send a letter if there is a problem. WARNING: IF YOU ARE CONTACTED BY EMAIL REGARDING YOUR IRS ECONOMIC STIMULUS REBATE, DO NOT CLICK ON THE LINK TO TRACK THE REBATE. THIS IS A SCAM!!
 |