Identity theft has become more and more serious. A lot of companies, as well as individuals, are losing hundreds of thousands of dollars because of identity theft which is a very silent crime. You’ll never know that your identity has already been stolen until you receive a demand letter or call from a collection agency informing you that you have an outstanding balance, when in fact, you haven’t made a single purchase. For this reason alone, it is then important that you take the necessary precaution to save yourself from being the future victim of identity theft.
Here are some things that you can do:
1. Be stingy with your social security number. You do not give anyone your social security number. It is a very important part of your life as long as you are an American. You will need to share your social security number when you are applying for a loan or a bank account, but save from that, there is nothing really. There are cases when some stores or organizations ask for your social security number and will use it in their system as your own ID number. Still, do not give them out to them because doing otherwise, would mean that you are exposing yourself to the dangers of identity theft. If this happens to you, ask for an alternative. Am sure there is something that you can do.
2. Do not throw documents that contain personal information on the trash. If you can afford a paper shredder, it is best t purchase it to destroy your documents like sensitive documents that contain credit card numbers, social security numbers, phone numbers, your birthday and other personal information. If you also have credit card offers but do not plan to use, then you need to shred it as well because identity thieves can fill out these applications and create an open line of credit without you even knowing it.
Shooting them in the trash is not enough. Identity theft can be prevented if we are only careful about our things.
However, taking precautionary steps does not necessarily mean that you can be spared from the crime. If in case the worst happens and you become a victim of identity theft. Follow these steps immediately:
1. Immediately call your credit/debit card companies and inform then of what is happening. Advise them that you lost your card and ask for a replacement. Inform them as well that you will not be making any purchases unless the issue is resolved.
2. Do not forget to contact your major credit card bureaus and file a fraud alert. If you contact one firm, then the other two will be notified as well.
3. File a police report. This can serve as a proof of the crime which was identity theft.
4. Law enforcement agencies maintain a database of identity theft cases that they use for future
investigations. You need to also file a complaint with them.
Couple of years ago, people laugh at the idea that we can actually steal identity. The dawn of technology witnessed a dramatic approach of online crimes that target unwitting children or even people with disabilities.
Tags: how to protect yourself from identity theft, social security number, social security numbers