Identity Theft? Not to Me! Here are some tips to minimize your risk
“I am really careful about my information.” Have you ever heard someone say that? We have given our information to every doctor we have gone to, every lab that has processed tests, all our past schools, former and current employers, every utility and bank with which we have done business and many more places. Are they being as careful as you would be with that vital information? Kind of scary… Are all their employees trained to protect your information? Identity theft isn’t just about financial fraud either. A thief may give your information with the police when they are arrested, may obtain a drivers license with their picture and your information, use your medical benefits, and work or sell items using your social security number.
Tips to minimize your risk:
- Never carry your social security number with you.
- Carry as few credit and debit cards as absolutely necessary
- Go through your purse or wallet and consider what could happen if it were stolen.
- Don’t give out your credit card number over the phone unless you initiated the call and are certain you are talking to the business you want to deal with.
- Be careful with your mail. Send and receive from secure and locked location.
- Shred all documents containing personal information before discarding…even the pre-approved credit offers.
- Pay attention to billing cycles. A missing statement could mean somone has taken over your account and changed the billing address.
- Exercise caution on line. Make sure the sight has the lock icon in the lower right hand corner of your browser window.
- Remove personal information from old computers. Deleting them may not be enough. Use a ‘wipe’ utility program to overwrite the entire hard drive.
For further information and help please contact Carol Anable, Independent Associate, Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. 206-719-8786 or visit www.ChrisandCarol.com
