5 Steps to Prevent Identity Theft

There are plenty of people out there who want to use you and your name to get money, but there are also some good ways to prevent identity theft before it happens. It is important to stay sharp, be smart, and realize that yes; identity theft can happen to you. Here are 5 Ways to Prevent Identity Theft:

1.       Protect Your Identity – The number one thing that you can do to prevent identity theft is to protect your personal information carefully. If anyone – person or company – wants your personal data, especially your social security number, bank account information, driver’s license number or online login and passwords, be cautious. 

-          If someone asks for your info, verify who needs the information and how they will safeguard it if you give it to them, as well as why they need the information and what they will do with it.

-          If you are contacted by phone and you feel it is a legitimate request, hang up, call the company back and verify the information you were given before proceeding.

2.       Destroy Your Personal Papers – Since you aren’t James Bond and important information will not self-destruct for you, you need to do the work yourself. One of the best ways to prevent identity theft is to invest in a shredder and use it for anything that has valuable information on it, including credit card statements and offers, bank statements, etc., etc.

-          Do not throw out anything with potentially sensitive information because plenty of people are willing to dig through your trash to find it.

3.       Be Green – You can help the planet and stop identity theft while you’re at it by not printing up ATM or gas card receipts…and if you do, destroy them immediately.

-          If you pay for something with your credit card, take the receipt and put in your pocket or wallet instead of the bag.

4.       Leave Your Credit Cards At Home – This may do more than just prevent identity theft – it may help your bank account while you’re at it. Leave your credit cards at home instead of carrying all of your credit cards with you at all times. If you are going somewhere you might need or want one, choose the one you’ll need and bring that one…and then keep an eye on it when you’re out.

-          Never set a credit card down on a counter or anyplace that someone passing by you might be able to scan it from behind you.

-          Never carry your social security card around with you – if your wallet or purse is stolen, the thief has one of the best ways to steal your identity at hand.

5.       Play Defense – Obtain copies of your credit reports regularly, at least every six months to a year. You may have to pay for this, but compared to the cost of someone stealing your identity and using it to their advantage, the price is slight. 

-          Keep a close eye on your credit card statements every month (before you shred them) and make sure all of the purchases are familiar. If you ever have any doubts, contact your credit card company. They want to help prevent identity theft as much as you do.

All in all, stay alert and be protective – if you want to prevent identity theft, you need to protect your identity on a regular basis! After all, there’s only one you and it should stay that way!