10 Methods For Identity Theft Protection

Identity theft is becoming increasingly common, and protecting yourself is important. Here are 10 methods of identity theft protection that you can put into practice today!

1. One way to protect yourself from identity theft is to get an unpublished phone number. This is often overlooked but phone companies sell customer information including name, address, and calling records to anyone who will pay for it. This puts you at risk for identity theft because the more companies with your personal information, the more chances it will be abused or lost.

2. Getting and using a PO Box is another way to combat identity theft. Having your bills and statements sent to a PO Box will safeguard your personal information from criminals who steal information from mailboxes. It also protects you from anyone trying to connect your name and address by researching your utility bills who keep and share this information. By using a PO Box they will not have your physical address. If you don't want to get a PO box, at least be sure to empty your mailbox soon after mail arrives - some thieves actually take mail from peoples mail boxes!

3. While you're at the post office, always mail bills and other letters containing checks and personal information from the post office. This will eliminate the chance that your personal information will be stolen out of your mailbox. Identity theft of this kind is common but also easily prevented if you make sure you never put items containing personal information in your mail box.

4. Never put your phone number, social security number, or any other information on your checks. Your name and preferably PO Box address is all you should put. Some stores won't like it if you refuse to supply them this information but it is not required if you show ID. Most businesses run your check through electronic verification on the spot anyway, so never give out personal info on a check.

5. Safeguarding your social security number is especially important to prevent identity theft. Even if companies request it (except companies running a credit check) don't give it. The fewer number of companies that have access to your social security number, the less chance it will be stolen. When applying for a job, don't give your social security number until and unless you are hired. Gaining access to social security numbers stored in files is a common way of identity theft as well so make sure only companies that are secure and don't share customer information have access to your number. Keep your social security number safe. Don't carry your social security card around with you or any other card that has your number on it. Keeping your card in a secure place like a lock box is important as well; many times information like that is stolen form your home and later used for identity theft by burglars.

6. Destroy all documents that contain personal information is another method of identity theft protection. Thieves still gather personal information used identity theft from the trash so be sure to shred everything you throw away that contains any personal information about you. This includes credit card statements, bank statements, etc.

7. Don't leave receipts lying around. Never leave receipts behind at the bank, ATM or store. If you used a card to pay for something take the receipt with you as it contains information that can potentially be used for identity theft.

8. Never let your credit card out of your site. It is becoming increasingly common for employees of stores and restaurants to make copies of cards while they are away form their owners. If you can't keep track of your card pay with cash or check, or at restaurants pay the bill yourself instead of giving your car an employee.

9. Don't give personal information out to callers. Even if a call from your bank of financial institution seems legitimate, don't give them information. Find out the reason for the call and what company they represent and then call them back on a number you know is legitimate to give them information.

10. Opt out of junk mail. Respond to junk mail offers by asking to be removed form their list. This will save you the potential problem of having credit card offers stolen form your mail as well as save you form unwanted junk mail.

Identity theft protection is something we should all be thinking about! To find out more about identity theft including what you should do if you think your identity has been stolen, subscribe to my free email course below:

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