How To Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft

Identity theft is a serious crime that continues to grow. If you become a victim of identity theft, you may spend months, or years, trying to repair the damage. A compromised credit report can ruin your chances of getting a new job, a loan, insurance or even housing. It's true that it is possible that you could be arrested for a crime you didn't commit if someone else has used your identity to break a law.

Unfortunately, many of the methods that thieves use to steal identities are completely beyond your control. Although it's rare, some store clerks have been known to use their position to give or sell information to identity thieves. There are some measures you can take, however, that will make it harder for them to steal your identity.

Protect Your Credit Card Number When Making Purchases:

After you make a purchase and your credit or debit card has been swiped through a credit card terminal, check to make sure that the printed receipt hides all but the last four digits of your credit card account number (there will usually be an x in place of the first twelve digits).

Some credit card terminals do print receipts that show all sixteen digits of an account number, and may even include the expiration date! After your card is swiped, you're permitted by law to hide the first 12 digits of your account number on the copy of the receipt that the vendor keeps. Use a pen or marker to cross-out the other numbers completely.

When dining out, it's important to make sure that the first 12 digits of your credit card number are hidden on the receipt. You might be in the habit of signing it and then leaving the restaurant's copy on the table after your meal. An identity thief can steal the signed receipt before the waiter comes back to pick it up from the table.

Do You Really Need To Give Your Social Security Number?

Avoid giving out your social security number unless it's absolutely necessary. Although you need to share your social security number when you apply for credit or for a bank account, sometimes a store or an organization will want to use it as an ID number. This is a fairly common practice even though the law says that social security numbers aren't to be used as ID numbers. In these situations, use your judgment. There's usually an alternative if you ask.

Destroy Documents That Contain Sensitive Personal Information:

Buy an office paper shredder and use it to destroy documents you're discarding which contain personal information like credit card numbers, social security numbers, phone numbers and birth dates. Do this both at home and at work.

Identity thieves frequently go through someone's trash to find personal information that can help them obtain credit in the victim's name.

If It Happens To You, Take The Following Steps Immediately:

1: Contact your credit card companies, close your accounts and ask to have new cards issued to you.

2: Place a fraud alert on your file with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax: 1-800-525-6285, Experian: 1-888-397-3742 & Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289).

3: File a report with your local police department. You may need it to show to creditors a copy of the report as proof of the crime.

4: File a complaint with the FTC: http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/ - They maintain a database of identity theft cases used by law enforcement agencies for their investigations.

Mike Nalbone Is The Webmaster At: http://Online-Background-Check.net Which Provides News, Information And Resources That Anyone Can Use To Do Online Investigations And Criminal Background Checks.

This Article Is © 2005 & May Be Published Solely In Its Entirety, Un-Modified, Provided The Above Resource Box Is Included Along With An Active (Clickable) Link To: http://Online-Background-Check.net

Mike Nalbone Is The Webmaster At: http://Online-Background-Check.net Which Provides News, Information And Resources That Anyone Can Use To Do Online Investigations And Criminal Background Checks.

---

Check Facts and Figures

Are you a check fanatic? Don't worry, you aren't alone.... Read More

Risky Business: You May Not be as Daring as You Think

I thought I was through with exams when I finished... Read More

Why We Are Never Satisfied with What We Have

I have to admit, I do it too. I complain.... Read More

Money Matters: Strengthen Your Marriage by Putting Finances in Order

Did you know that 43% of all married couples argue... Read More

How to Choose the Right Bank for Your Online Business

You should thoroughly consider your business needs when selecting a... Read More

Learning the Basics of Handling Money

With prices increasing all the time, saving money can be... Read More

Take Control and Master Your Kitchen

Those who keep a watchful eye on where their money... Read More

5 Ways to Absolutely Destroy Your Finances!

Ben Stein has a book called How to Ruin Your... Read More

10 Steps to Take if You Are a Victim of Identity Theft

There have been an estimated 9.9 million victims on America... Read More

Budgeting your Savings - Did You Let Your Piggy Bank Get Away?

I think most of us have at some point in... Read More

Check Fraud and Verification

Before buying personal or business checks you should inform yourself... Read More

Tips To Save Money At The Supermarket

Are you interested in saving money off your grocery bills?... Read More

Budgeting Made Easy

Well, dang! From what I've heard and read, it looks... Read More

Know Thy Finances

The first step to financial success lies in knowing your... Read More

Photo Checks ? A Great Alternative in Checking

It's the little things in life that make it interesting.... Read More

Financial Fitness - Are You Exercising the Right Muscles to become Financially Fit?

Are your financial muscles well toned and healthy or flabby... Read More

Planning Ahead with Your Finances

If you, like most people, have not seriously considered what... Read More

Budgeting: A Tough Love Way to Handle Your Household Budget

Developing and living by a household budget is by far... Read More

Reporting Identity Theft

Would you know what to do if you suspect that... Read More

The Wonderful World Of Address Labels

Ever wonder where address labels come from? Avery® is perhaps... Read More

10 Tips To Save Money When Dining Out

Here are some tips that can help you save money... Read More

Why You Should Seek Professional Help With Asset Management

Everyone needs to maintain their lives. What I mean by... Read More

Is There A Retirement Crisis?

When people speak about the increasing age expectancies, they generally... Read More

When do You Need a Financial Management Company on Your Side?

We live in a crazy world. Someone ought to sell... Read More

How To Survive The Grocery Shopping Blues

If you are the normal consumer, then you've probably experienced... Read More

Retirement Income Needs---Less Than You Think?

It is widely written that you need 75% of your... Read More

Kundalini Lessons - Money

I've been going through and interesting growth period lately that... Read More

Car Donations and Used Car Donations

Car donations and used car donations are the way many... Read More

Personal Finance ? Why You Should Compare, not Despair

Sorting out your personal finances can be a tricky and... Read More

College Expenses: Seven Ways to Save on an Education

Many people graduate from college owing thousands of dollars in... Read More

Im Broke, How Can I Afford...

I'm still amazed every time someone comes to me complaining... Read More

Adverse Debt Levels Blight UK Consumers Personal Finances

Debt levels are at an all time high in the... Read More

Debt Management ? More Ways to Save on Gas Consumption

The price of gas continues to climb, and with continued... Read More