Protecting Your Identity from Identity Theft
Protecting Your Identity from Identity Theft
The hacking of the network of the mobile phone company T-Mobile USA was the subject of another arrest. Fox News reports that the hacker had access to a database containing the personal details of 16 million users, including the agent from the Secret Service who is currently probing the intrusion.
Choicepoint is another option. Criminals breached the database of the information giant, which contained 19 billion entries, when we last left it. Choicepoint has now admitted to assaults that occurred as early as the year 2000.
Both the frequency of identity theft and the sophistication of the techniques used to obtain sensitive data are on the rise. One of the greatest ways to combat identity theft is right in your own house, and while there are no 100% assurances anywhere, taking precautions is always a good idea.
Take a look at the garbage.
Identity thieves have made a profession out of going through people's trash and have found a huge jackpot in the process. "Dumpster diving" is the term used by the Department of Justice to describe this. Before you throw anything away, make sure it's in perfect condition.
Prior to shredding, make sure to mark all documents as "Sensitive" and remove any personally identifiable information, such as your social security number, address, driver's license, or bank records. A crosscut shredder is what I would suggest. Separate the trash cans and put them out on separate days.
Get off the marketing lists of the big credit bureaus by shredding unwanted credit card offers.
Make it a habit to go to the Post Office whenever you get mail, especially when paying bills. Lockboxes are another common target for identity thieves. Staking out the territory and waiting for the perfect moment is something they do often. Receiving a mailbox that is locked also serves no harm.
Install a firewall, anti-spyware software, and other security measures on your computer. Make sure the business has a secure server if you plan to do any online transactions. Check for the yellow lock icon at the screen's bottom if they don't tell you.
Protect the plastic. Look at your credit report and credit card statements. Each year, agencies will give you a complimentary copy. Fees range from $9 to $20 per inquiry, each credit bureau, for multiple requests.
Take your time with this. Although you are acting responsibly in attempting to safeguard yourself, these agencies do not approve of excessive inquiries and it could have a bad effect on your credit. That problem will go away after you sign up with a credit monitoring service.
Be advised of one thing.Being cautious with your credit cards is a good first step, but it won't prevent all problems, as some experts say. About 60% of cases of identity theft do not involve preexisting accounts, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Always be wary of giving out your Social Security number, much more so than your credit card information.
Because these criminals are well-known, these security measures are quite important. Friends, relatives, and neighbors are the perpetrators of half of all identity theft cases, as revealed in the 2005 Fraud Survey Report by the Better Business Bureau. Do all in your power to avoid giving in to the temptation of turning over a loved one to the police.
There are no absolute assurances, once again. Lots of different establishments accept your money, including the restaurant, the corner store, the petrol station, and many more. Since we are all here to interact with the world, there is always the possibility of harm. You can lessen the likelihood of identity theft by being watchful about the things that are under your control.
The most terrible aspect of identity theft, according to many victims, is something you should do all in your power to avoid. Recuperation: a living nightmare.
No way!
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