Friday, July 02, 2004
Think identity theft can’t happen to you? The author, Frank Abagnale of Catch me if you can writes a list of ten ways to avoid identity theft:
http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/Banking/FinancialPrivacy/P41275.asp
Below is an overview of the article:
1. Destroy any public knowledge of your social security number. Ask whomever is asking for your social security number if they really need it. If they do, ask that they shred the documents right in front of you when applicable.
2. Keep a close eye on your credit report. Find a company that can send you your credit report without getting points taken off. Did you know that every time you have your credit checked by a creditor you lose a point on your credit rating?
3. Purchase a confetti shredder. Keep it near where you open your daily mail. You are more likely to shred that way.
4. Take your name off marketing lists, such as Equifax (a company who does credit reports).
5. NEVER carry your social security card on you, nor other financial records. If you need your social security card for a new job, be sure to return it to a safe place, such as a safety deposit box.
6. Keep a copy of your passport, social security card, birth certificate and other important documents in a safe place.
7. Mail bills at a post office, not your own mail box, unless you have a neighborhood mail box that is locked.
8. Actually read your social security benefits statements!
9. Always double check your credit card billing statement with your receipts to insure they are charges you made.
10. NEVER give personal information to a caller who claims to be your bank or credit card service. Instead, look up their number and call them back.
http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/Banking/FinancialPrivacy/P41275.asp
Below is an overview of the article:
1. Destroy any public knowledge of your social security number. Ask whomever is asking for your social security number if they really need it. If they do, ask that they shred the documents right in front of you when applicable.
2. Keep a close eye on your credit report. Find a company that can send you your credit report without getting points taken off. Did you know that every time you have your credit checked by a creditor you lose a point on your credit rating?
3. Purchase a confetti shredder. Keep it near where you open your daily mail. You are more likely to shred that way.
4. Take your name off marketing lists, such as Equifax (a company who does credit reports).
5. NEVER carry your social security card on you, nor other financial records. If you need your social security card for a new job, be sure to return it to a safe place, such as a safety deposit box.
6. Keep a copy of your passport, social security card, birth certificate and other important documents in a safe place.
7. Mail bills at a post office, not your own mail box, unless you have a neighborhood mail box that is locked.
8. Actually read your social security benefits statements!
9. Always double check your credit card billing statement with your receipts to insure they are charges you made.
10. NEVER give personal information to a caller who claims to be your bank or credit card service. Instead, look up their number and call them back.
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