Identity Theft ? How Can You Prevent It Happening to You?

The nightmare of identity theft strikes an estimated 750,000 people every year. How can you keep from being one of them? While there is no guarantee that you won't become a victim, there are some steps you can take to decrease the risk and protect yourself.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, some everyday tips to protecting your personal information include:

? Not giving out your personal information to a stranger over the phone, the Internet, or through the mail. Your Social Security number (SSN), phone number and address, credit card or bank account numbers, and drivers' license number can be used by criminals to assume your identity. Unless you know the person you are communicating with or have invited them to contact you, do not answer any question that makes you uncomfortable. Identity thieves can pose successfully as agents from banks, credit card companies, Internet service providers, utility companies, or government offices. If someone calls claiming to represent a legitimate organization, confirm this by calling the customer service number listed on your statement or bill.

? Finding out how your personal information will be used and if you have the option to keep the details confidential when providing this data to a legitimate organization, for example, when filling out an application. Ask if the organization has a method of securing your information and if they plan to share it with other companies or individuals.

? Always monitoring the balances on your checking, savings, or other financial accounts. Keep an eye out for unexplained charges or withdrawals made without your permission. Carefully reading your monthly bank and credit card statements, then checking the amounts against your check register or other record-keeping method could catch a thief in the act of assuming your identity and spending your hard-earned money.

? Keeping track of your billing cycles. If your credit card statement doesn't arrive at its usual time, this could signal an address change by an identity thief.

? Being cautious handling your mail and even your trash. Place outgoing mail in a post office collection box or at the post office instead of leaving it out on your mailbox. Bring the mail inside promptly every day, and when planning to be out of town, enlist the help of a friend or neighbor to do the same. A thief can sift through your garbage in search of sensitive information. Shred all charge receipts, credit offers and applications, insurance or physician's statements, checks and bank statements, and discarded credit cards.

? Storing your Social Security card someplace other than your purse or wallet. Provide your SSN only when necessary, and ask to substitute another number if your state uses your SSN on your drivers' license.

? Carrying only the credit or debit cards you need. Leave other identifying cards at home.

In addition to the everyday precautions that can minimize your risk, there are some other actions you can take to improve your safety:

? Safeguard the information on your computer by updating your virus protection plan on a regular basis, using a firewall to keep hackers from accessing your files, and deleting any personal information on your computer before you dispose of it using a "wipe" utility program that clears the hard drive. Never download a file from someone you don't know, and do not open e-mails from an unfamiliar sender; doing so could expose your computer to a virus. Finally, when submitting personal information over the Internet, look for the "lock" icon on the status bar to know that your browser is secure.

? Use passwords for your bank, credit card, and phone accounts. Try to think of a unique number that you can remember other than your birth date, your mother's maiden name, the last four digits of your SSN, or a series of numbers in order, e.g. 1-2-3-4.

? Find a safe place for your purse or wallet while you're at work. Ask about the policy your office has for securing your personal information, such as who has access to it, where it is stored, and how it is disposed of when you leave.

? Every year, order a copy of your credit report from the three different credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Check for the accuracy of each and correct any discrepancies. You may be charged for the report, but the savings you receive in peace of mind is well worth the fee.

? Clean up any credit damage as soon as you possibly can. Errors in reporting alone happen often, some estimates are as high as 62% of the information on a credit report may be inaccurate. That doesn't even begin to cover situations such as identity theft which is a serious problem on the rise in the U.S. You can consult a Credit Damage expert if you suspect that your credit has been accessed or used in any way without your permission. That includes companies running a simple inquiry without you saying they can. For more information on what an expert witness can do for you, go to http://www.creditdamage.com

When it comes to protecting your good name and your hard-earned money, a little caution goes a long way.

Cathy Taylor is a marketing consultant with over 25 years experience. She specializes in internet marketing, strategy and plan development, as well as management of communications and public relations programs for small business sectors. She can be reached at Creative Communications: creative-com@cox.net or by visiting http://www.creditdamage.com or http://www.internet-marketing-small-business .com

---

Tips For Getting Your First Credit Card

Most of us get a credit card on our name... Read More

Different Types of Credit Cards and Features - Part 1

Just as there are too many credit card companies to... Read More

Important Things to Know About Divorce and Credit

Joint debts remain joint debts.Both spouses signed a legally binding... Read More

Credit Report And Correction Techniques

The three major credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax and Trans Union... Read More

Commercial Collections And Credit Granting

It is estimated that billions of dollars in delinquent commercial... Read More

Good Credit is King, When Qualifying for Mortgage Programs

If you want to purchase a new home or refinance... Read More

Why Americans Find Predatory Lending Offensive

"Menis - the author translates as "indignant rage" - It... Read More

5 Things Your Credit Card Company Keeps Quiet About

Credit Cards can bankrupt you if you let them run... Read More

Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Your Credit Report

Your credit report is a very powerful report that essential... Read More

Choosing the Best Low Interest Credit Card

With so many low interest credit cards on offer, how... Read More

Making Sense of the Information in Your Credit Report

If you've ever applied for a credit card or loan,... Read More

What Does Your Credit Say About You?

A credit report is more than just a snapshot of... Read More

10 Signs You May Need Credit Counseling

Debt management programs can be of real help for people... Read More

How Your Credit History Can Affect Your Life

Your credit history is an important aspect of your life.... Read More

Beat Credit Card Companies at Their Own Game!

Have you ever wondered how much money a credit card... Read More

Your Credit Score

Credit scores: all lenders use credit scores to determine interest... Read More

Credit Repair Scams

"Erase Bad Debt !""Remove Negative Items From Your Credit Report"You've... Read More

What You Need to Know about Debt Negotiation on Credit Cards

Debt negotiation on credit cards is often referred to as... Read More

Choosing The Best Credit Card To Apply For

Always shop around to get the best deal when choosing... Read More

Pitfalls of the Credit Industry

The credit industry if rife with pitfalls. If you have... Read More

10 Tips To Prevent Credit Card Fraud

Imagine opening your credit card statement one morning and discovering... Read More

What is Credit Card and Debit Card Blocking?

Have you ever been told you were over your credit... Read More

Defeating Credit Card Debt With Self Control

Credit card debt is a major social problem in some... Read More

Read and Understand Your Credit Card Statement

Have you ever looked at your credit card statement and... Read More

Common Credit Score Myths

A lot of credit score myths about fico score ratings... Read More