Is There Any Protection Available to Safeguard Against Identity Theft?

Identity theft can hurt your personal credit rating and stop credit approvals. Fortunately, there are a number of safety measures you can take to help protect your identity and lower your risk of someone swiping your information. No one's immune to identity theft, so taking steps to keep your information private is key to protecting yourself.

Credit Monitoring Service

Monitoring your credit report is a key way to safeguard your personal information and prevent identity theft. Monitoring services help stop theft by sending email alerts every time an account is opened using your name and Social Security number. Thus, you're made aware of the situation before someone has the chance to run up debt in your name. You can also monitor your report yourself by ordering your personal credit report from Annual Credit Report at least once a year and checking the contents for unfamiliar accounts.

Paperless Statements

Going paperless can help reduce the chances of identity theft. The U.S. Post Office may deliver your credit card statements to the wrong address or someone can remove statements or pre-approved credit card offers from your mailbox. Renting a secured post office box for mail and opting out of paper statements and having statements delivered to your personal e-mail can help reduce the odds of someone getting hold of your private information and taking out loans and other accounts in your name.

Documentation Handling

Never throw credit card statements, tax information or banking statements in the trash without first shredding the documents. Paper shredders can destroy these documents so that people rummaging through your trash are unable to read your name and other personal information. Keep paper shredders near trash bins to reduce the changes that you'll accidentally toss documents in the regular trash. If you do not have access to a shredder, use a dark marker to block out your account number, name, address and other personal information before throwing away statements.

Online Safety

Identity theft can occur after you enter personal information online. Online shopping often involves entering a credit card number on a website. Check each online retailer for a padlock symbol, which indicates a secured website, before providing your credit card or debit card number. Also, exercise caution when responding to email messages. Credit card companies and other lenders will not request account information or personal information through email. Any request for your name, Social Security number or account number is likely an attempt to swipe your information and possibly steal your identity.