Being a victim of identity theft means that someone has stolen your personal information and opened accounts in your name. Even if you're unaware of the situation, these unauthorized accounts can appear on your credit report and reduce your credit rating. Fortunately, you can protect yourself and avoid becoming a victim.
Signing Credit Cards
Credit cards have a space on the back for your signature. Each time you use your credit card at a retailer's store, they're required to check the back for a signature. Instead of signing your name to the card, write, "check or see ID," in this space. This maneuver prompts the sales person to ask for a driver's license to verify identification. They'll cancel the transaction if the driver's license doesn't match the name on the credit cad.
Document Shredding
Discarding important documents such as credit card statements and bank statements in a garbage bin places your identity at risk. Use a document shredder to destroy papers before discarding to keep your information safe and protect yourself from being a victim of identity theft.
Check Statements
Identity theft can go unnoticed, and recognizing the situation early requires staying on top of your credit card and bank statements. Don't fall into a habit of skimming statements or making bill payments without checking the accuracy of charges. Open your statements as soon as they arrive and review each line. Contact your bank or creditor immediately if you detect suspicious activity.
Mailboxes
Stop paper statements and check your account balances online to lower your risk of becoming a victim of identity theft. Someone can casually walk past your mailbox and steal your credit card or bank statements. If you prefer hard copies of bills, forward mail to a P.O. Box.
Privacy of Information
Giving another person access to your account information can increase the risk of identity theft. Keep personal information such as your Social Security number, credit card numbers, ATM pin and bank account number private. Do not give this information to so-called companies that telephone your house or send unsolicited e-mails.
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