9 Sensible Steps To Prevent Identity Theft BEFORE It Happens
by: Marige O'Brien
Unfortunately, identity theft has become the crime of the new millenium. Though credit card companies and various agencies work to prevent it, it is, ultimately, the responsibility of each individual to take their own precautionary measures against this crime. Fortunately, there are some simple changes that can be taken, even today, to protect ourselves and, better still, prevent a theft from taking place at all. Below are 11 recommended steps that anyone can take, today, to prevent this from happening or to lessen the effects if it has already happened.
At the end of this article is a list of telephone numbers EVERYONE should keep on file.
PREVENTION
1. When ordering checks never put your full name on them, only your first initial and last name. If your checkbook is stolen the thief will not know how you sign your checks. But, because your bank keeps a copy of your signature on file, it will and can stop the payment of checks with forged signatures.
2. When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the whole account number on the "For" line. Your check passes through many hands, both at the credit card company and at the bank anyone of which has access to all the information on your check, as well as your credit card number. Instead, put only the last four digits of the account number, which is sufficient for the credit card company to identify your account.
3. Put your WORK phone number on your checks instead of your home phone number. And, if you have a PO Box use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a PO Box, use your work address. In this way, a thief cannot gain access to other accounts you have, some of which use the the name-address-telephone number combination for verification.
4. NEVER pre-print your social security or driver's license numbers on your checks. You can add it, if necessary. But if you have it printed, anyone can get it.
5. Do NOT sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put "PHOTO ID REQUIRED" in the signature area or just leave it blank. To be really diligent, while paying, if the clerk does not ask for a photo ID, make mention of this and insist on showing it. It will teach them to be more diligent as well.
6. Be diligent. In rural areas, one way a thief can steal your identity is through your mail delivery. Though it is a Federal crime to go into someone else's mailbox, even to put something IN it, many mailboxes are left unattended for hours a day after the mail arrives. If you are missing any bills, especially a combination of utility and credit card bills, contact the companies immediately. With this combination thieves have been known to put in a "change of address" as they pay the minimum on a bill, then call and have a new card issued with the new address, even a new name on a secondary bill. Within a week, the thief may be using your credit card without ANYTHING APPEARING TO HAVE BEEN STOLEN.
7. While traveling abroad, keep a photocopy of your passport with you. If the original is stolen, you can take the copy to the local consul and prevent it from being used again.
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9 Sensible Steps To Prevent Identity Theft BEFORE It Happens
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About The Author
Marige O'Brien works as a writer, web designer and Internet Marketer. Visit her Website, Tracker Mo's Den (www.trackermo.com). For other solutions to identity theft, visit (www.prepaidlegal.com/hub/marige), which offers Identity Theft Shield.
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