Are You The Only One Using Your Name?

Identity theft has become an epidemic. Millions and millions of purses and wallets are stolen everyday and many of them are not just taken for the money inside. Thieves can use your credit cards to buy whatever they want to and whose credit does it ruin? Yours. Now, you are probably thinking about how easy it is or you to cancel your credit card, and you have protection through your issuer, but do you realize that by using your drivers license these thieves can get a whole new credit card? One you don't even know about? If this happens to you, you will find that it is anything but easy to fix. Proving that your identity has been stolen can be extremely difficult to prove and getting your credit back up to snuff is next to impossible.

This terrible crime is so prevalent that it is something that we all should educate ourselves about so that we can prevent it if at all possible or at least know what to do once it has happened.

One of the simplest ways to safeguard against identity theft is to keep your personal information to yourself. Don't give out much information, ever especially on the phone or online. It may be okay for you to give some information if you made the call to a company that you trust but if you are on the receiving end of the call forget it, this person could be anyone from anywhere. You have probably been asked for your Social Security Number when applying for credit over the phone or on the Internet, but you do not have to give it out. Ask the person or company you are dealing with if there are other options for you to do instead.

You might want to keep a detailed list of your credit card companies in a place that you will be able to find them quickly in case your cards ever get stolen. The sooner you report the theft to them missing the better off you will be. If you wait and the thief maxes out your card you could face taking some responsibility.

Getting a copy of your credit report on a regular basis will help you to nip any credit card fraud in the bud. If you do not go over your report you may miss what is going on and this is just giving the thieves more time to get away with their crime while getting yourself in even more trouble.

Everyone, and I mean everyone should invest in a paper shredder. Destroying all of your financial documents before you throw them away is another very important step to preventing identity theft. Identity thieves are great for going through people's trash and picking out what they need. Don't forget to shred all of the pre-approved credit card offers that you get in the mail all of the time. If these get into the wrong hands they could mean the end of your good credit.

Martin Lukac, represents, #1 Loans USA, a finance web-company specializing in real estate/mortgage market. We specialize in daily updates, rate predictions, mortgage rates and more: http://www.1LoansUSA.com

---

Restore Your Credit Rating And Reduce Your Debts

Your credit rating affects many areas of your life. Opening... Read More

Credit Cards -- What You Should Know

There are a lot of questions about using credit cards.... Read More

How to Save Money on Your Credit Cards

Credit card companies make their money on the 85% of... Read More

How To Establish Great Credit

Building a good credit history is important. If you have... Read More

Credit Cards and How To Choose Them:

It may seem like a simple question but its important... Read More

Getting Married? What Are The Finance and Credit Implications?

There is a big difference between looking after your own... Read More

Winning The Credit Game!

Everywhere we go, the word credit can be found, shining... Read More

The Credit Card Surprise That You Need to Look Out For

Companies that issue credit cards want to make a profit.... Read More

Myths and Truth about Credit Scoring

Credit score is the key factor determining approval of almost... Read More

Debit Card vs. Credit Card, What Are The Differences ?

Ah, the "good old days". If you are a baby... Read More

Will Inquiries Lower Your Credit Score?

What are inquiries?When you apply for credit the creditor or... Read More

Credit Scoring: What You Dont Know Can Hurt You

You've probably heard the term credit scoring. You may have... Read More

Start Building Credit Fast!

There are a couple of reasons for this. You can... Read More

Beware the Shopping Mall Monster

Like me, you've probably been offered a fair old number... Read More

Searching For A Low Interest Credit Card?

These days, people need to very carefully consider what type... Read More

Good Credit is King, When Qualifying for Mortgage Programs

If you want to purchase a new home or refinance... Read More

Credit Card Entrapment - The Secrets are Out

Have you ever wondered why your credit card bill is... Read More

Credit Report Secrets: Do You Know What They Reveal?

If you've ever applied for a credit card or loan,... Read More

Good Credit Is Not A Good Reason To Borrow More Money After Youve Achieved Financial Freedom

The most important thing for you to remember is that... Read More

Applying for Credit Cards Online

In the olden days, about 10 years ago, before the... Read More

Useful Tips on Borrowing Money

Here are some useful tips on borrowing money. Borrowing money... Read More

Can Credit Search Entries Affect Your Ability to get Approved for a New Loan in the UK?

About Search Entries:Every time a lender checks your credit history... Read More

Negotiating Rates with Your Credit Card Company

Ok, let's face it, everybody hates high credit card rates,... Read More

Establishing Credit ? What You Need To Know Part 1

Establishing credit is one of the most important things you... Read More

First Major Regulatory and Legislative Victory of 2005 for Creditors and Consumers

Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, collectors are not... Read More

Trying to Land a Job? Poor Credit Scores May Hurt Your Chances

Many employers are now looking at an applicant's credit report... Read More

10 Simple Steps to Manage Your Credit

By far the greatest invention the banks have ever come... Read More

Getting Your Credit Report and Understanding Whats On It

If you intend to apply for a loan, you need... Read More

Maximizing Credit Card Rewards

In their quest to get you to sign up for... Read More

Understanding Your Rights Under The Equal Credit Opportunity Act

It wasn't all that long ago that lenders blatantly discriminated... Read More

Identity Theft : They Got Him

His hard earned money? Gone. Creditors on his back everyday.... Read More

Give Yourself Credit

The Beginning of the Credit Card EraIn 1951, Diners Club... Read More

Which Business Credit Cards with Reward are the Best?

Thinking of applying for a credit card with a reward... Read More