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Identity theft is the fastest growing felony in North America.
There are ways to reduce or minimize the risk of becoming a
victim of identity theft and fraud. I have taken the following
steps to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft, and so can
you:
Taking care of my personal data - I never give out personal
information to people on the phone and to people who do not need
to know. A person on the phone saying he is calling from my bank
does not need to know my personal information because it is
already on the file with my bank. I never print my Social
Security or my telephone number on my personal bank checks. I
would unnecessarily be passing out information to people who
need not know.
I have had Scamsters call with offers to receive a prize or some
valuable item, and asking for my personal data, such as Social
Security number, credit card number or its expiration date, or
my mother's maiden name.
While on the move - If I am away for some time, I have my mail
held up at the post office, or have someone I trust empty my
mailbox daily. In case I need to communicate some personal
information to someone, I trust. I make sure I am in a booth
where no one can listen to what I am conveying.
Checking financial information regularly - I regularly receive
my monthly bank and credit card statements. If this becomes
irregular, I check with the concerned institution immediately to
ask what is going on. Chances are that my bills are going to an
address I have not authorized. Someone may have assumed my
identity and be improperly using my accounts. If so, I would
immediately start proceedings to cope with this identity theft
to put a stop to it.
In the next article of the series, let me tell you how I would
cope with identity
theft.
About the author:
Jon publishes articles and ebooks to help individuals with their
personal finance needs and
goals.
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