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| How Credit Affects You |
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Tips to Prevent Identity Theft
Simple Steps You Can TakeThe good news is that there are simple steps you can take to help prevent your identity from being stolen. Not just online, but anywhere!
- Limit Access to Personal Information
- Keep items with your personal information safe. When you throw away receipts, credit card applications or old checks or billing statements, make sure to shred them first.
- When someone asks for personal information, such as your Social Security or credit card number, find out how the information will be used and if it will be shared with others.
- Mail
- Destroy or shred all papers containing personal information before throwing them away.
- Review your billing statements. Check all transactions carefully.
- Keep track of when bills should arrive. If you don’t receive them on time, contact your creditors. A missing credit card bill might mean that a someone has changed your billing address and is using your account.
- Secure your mailbox from thieves. Pick up your mail from your mailbox as soon as possible. Place outgoing mail in post office collection boxes.
- Don’t give out personal information over the phone or through mail. Thieves can pose as bankers, government officials, or others to get you to reveal your Social Security number or your bank account number.
- Credit and ATM Cards
- When you set up your Personal Identification Number (PIN) for your ATM or debit card, don’t use a number easily associated with you, such as a birth date, Social Security number, or phone number. Use a number that only you know and that you can recall easily. Don’t ever write down your PIN number.
- Order a copy of your credit report and review it at least once every year. Catch mistakes and fraud before they ruin your personal finances. Remember, you can order one free credit report annually from each of the three major credit-reporting agencies.
- Report lost or stolen cards immediately. The sooner you do, the sooner the company can cancel your card. Normally, you won’t be responsible for purchases you don’t make. Check your credit card company’s policy for details.
- Review your monthly statements carefully. Make sure you have a record of all the purchases, charges, withdrawals, etc. Report any suspicious activity to the creditor immediately.
- Destroy cards you no longer use.
- Internet
- Don’t give out personal information in response to e-mail requests.
- Install security software, including virus protection, firewalls and anti-spyware programs.
- If you receive an e-mail containing a link, verify the address by typing it in the address bar rather than clicking on the link.
- Make sure any wireless network in your home is secure.
- Always logout of online banking sessions.
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