Protecting Yourself Against Identity Theft

Identity theft is a serious crime that is growing each year. If you're a victim of identity theft you may spend months, even years, trying to repair a ruined credit history. A seriously damaged credit report can compromise your chances of getting a new job, a bank loan, insurance or even rental housing. It's even possible to be arrested for a crime you didn't commit if someone else has used your identity to break the law. Now more then ever it is important for you to learn how to protect your identity. Although some of the methods that thieves use to steal identities are beyond your control to guard against. There are many that you can protect against or at least make it harder for a thief to make use of.

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 4 digits of your credit card account number (usually there will be Xs in place of the first 12 digits). Some terminals still print receipts that show all 16 digits of an account number, and may even include the expiration date as well. 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 any marking pen that will do the job.

When you go to a restaurant, it's especially important to make sure that the first 12 digits of your credit card number are hidden on your 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 easily steal the signed receipt before the waitperson comes back around to pick it up from the table. Don't take any chances.

Your Greatest Identity Theft Risk

Another important way that you can guard against identity theft is to avoid giving out your social security number unless it's absolutely required. 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, simply to identify you within their system. This is a 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.

Don't Let Identity Theft Get To You Online

Protect Your Information While Using Your Computer

Phishing is the process where an attempt is made to fraudulently extract sensitive information from someone, such as credit card details, user name and password, using electronic communication. Never ever respond to emails requesting you to log into your bank account from a link within the email that appear to be from your bank. There's a good chance that the link will take you to a fake website where someone can collect your personal information. If there is any question, contact the bank using contact information you know is correct and inquire about the email request.

Another concern is spyware programs that can track your movements on the internet as well as collect information that you enter while using the internet. These programs can collect passwords, banking information and personal data which can then be used to access bank accounts or steal ones identity. Using a good anti-virus and anti-spyware programs are a important step to keeping you computer safe from these types of attacks.

What To Do If Your A Victim Of Identity Theft

If you do become a victim of identity theft, 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 any one of the three major credit bureaus. The other two will be notified automatically.
3. File a police report. You may need it to show to creditors as proof of the crime.
4. File a complaint with the FTC, which maintains a database of identity theft cases used by law enforcement agencies for their investigations.

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