How Not to Get Your Identity Taken

Protecting your identity from someone wrongfully obtaining your personal data is paramount with today's lifestyle. Using ATMs and cell phones in public requires attentiveness to those around you. Watching PIN input at an ATM or hearing credit information relayed over the phone are easy ways to steal another's identity. Socially active networkers have enough on display in profiles to warrant identity theft. Prevention requires that you to remain alert in daily activity.

Instructions

1

Resist giving out your personal information to others unless you have a reason to trust them. Adopt a need-to-know approach to personal data. When phoned with a chance to receive a major prize, do not give out your personal data. Ask to have the application mailed to you instead and review it carefully when it comes. Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there have been previous complaints about the solicitor before continuing.

2

Check your financial information regularly and look for what should be there and what should not. Order a free credit file disclosure once yearly from each of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion). The reports will list all of the bank and financial accounts you have and will reveal whether someone has wrongfully opened or used any accounts in your name. Fill out your forms for all three at the annual credit report website, for immediate printable reports, or request them by writing to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.

3

On social networking sites, safeguard your identity by setting your profile pages to private, alter your last name and don't share your photos with anyone other than immediate friends. Be leery of giving information to links you follow. Keep your passwords different from financial passwords.

4

Maintain careful records of your banking and financial accounts. Keep a file with the original checks and statements for at least one year. This will assist your financial institution work on your behalf in case you are a victim of fraud. Make copies of the front and back of your credit cards for easy access to that information. Note billing dates and beware if the bills do not show up in the mail. Contact your bank/creditor immediately, and check for inaccurate address changes.