ID Theft Prevention Checklist

Identity theft happens when someone uses your personal information, such as your bank account information or Social Security number, to commit criminal acts, according to the Federal Trade Commission website. Some of the criminal acts include opening fraudulent credit accounts in your name or traveling illegally using your personal information. There are ways that you can protect yourself from ID theft.

Monitor Your Information

Some people get their credit card account statements and do not read them. They are opening themselves up for ID theft. Check your credit card account statements each month for any charges that seem suspicious. Criminals may start out spending less than $10 per purchase, just to see if you are paying attention to your account. Report these suspicious charges to your credit card company immediately. According to the Federal Trade Commission, all American consumers are entitled to a free copy of their credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies every 12 months. Order your reports and make sure the credit card account information and your personal information is correct. If you see a credit card account that you do not recognize, then you should challenge it immediately.

The Law

If you begin to notice the signs of ID theft, contact your local police and file a criminal report immediately. Filing a criminal report alerts the authorities to your problem and will serve as a time stamp for you to use when reporting the issue to your credit card companies. This can be extremely helpful when discussing the issue with credit card companies that have been the victims of fraudulent accounts opened in your name. You can establish that you began dealing with the problem when it started and that you are the victim of a crime.

Shredder

Identity theft sometimes begins with a criminal stealing your personal information from your garbage, according to credit expert Jeff Wuorio writing on the MSN Money website. Invest in an inexpensive shredder, and shred important documents before throwing them out. That includes credit card statements, loan statements, credit card offers with your name and an approval code on them, or anything that has your personal information on it.

Giving Away Information

Criminals can be bold when trying to commit identity theft, and you need to be prepared to block their chances of getting your information. Never give personal information over the phone to someone who called you. Your bank will not call you to confirm your personal information, so do not give it to someone who claims to be calling from your bank. Do not give your credit card information to telemarketing sales people who call you. Ask the representative how you can mail in your order, or order on a secure website. Do not click on links in any emails that take you to a login page to confirm your information. If you get a suspicious email that says it is from your bank looking to confirm your personal information, call your bank and ask if it is a legitimate email.