In today’s hi-tech
information superhighway, identity theft is at an all time high. Every 3.5 seconds, someone has the
unfortunate experience of having their identity stolen. Identity thieves can be
sophisticated online bandits or low tech scavengers who dig through your
garbage cans or steal your wallet.
As an informed consumer
and business owner, there are ways you can minimize the threat of identity
theft. These tips will assist you in
being proactive against identity theft predators:
- Keep a clean wallet. Don’t carry more credit cards than you need
and cancel credit cards you don't use.
- Don’t disclose your social security
number (unless absolutely necessary) and never have your social security
number printed on your checks.
- Use a shredder for bills and
other documentation containing your account numbers.
- When you are out in public,
keep a close eye on your purse or wallet.
- Suspend the delivery of all
newspapers and mail when you are not home for long periods of time. Don’t leave mail unattended when you are
traveling. Mail left unattended in
an unsecured mailbox provides an opportunity for theft.
- Use care when creating
passwords. Make sure the passwords
have a degree of difficulty so that they cannot be deciphered easily.
Update them frequently.
- Keep your computer secure. Make sure your antivirus software is
always up to date and a firewall is running at all times.
- Check your credit report at
least once per year to make sure that there are no discrepancies concerning
the accounts on your report.
If you have been victimized by
identity theft, file a police report and contact the credit reporting agencies
and also request investigations into the fraudulent activities on your
account. You may also request credit
freeze protection from the credit reporting agencies. If your credit report
cannot be obtained, the identity thieves cannot establish new accounts in your
name. Your personal and business financial health deserves your attention. The more precautions and care you take with
your personal information can definitely put distance between you and a would-be
identity thief.
