
With another identity stolen every three seconds, identity theft is one of the nation’s fastest growing crimes. But you don’t have to be next. Here are ten ways to prevent identity theft that will help you reduce your chances of falling victim to this devastating crime.
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Number one: Place free fraud alerts on your credit report. Fraud alerts notify creditors that they should take reasonable steps to verify your identity before issuing new lines of credit. This makes it extremely difficult for thieves to use your personal information for their financial gain. Number two: Order all three free credit reports. Take advantage of your annual credit reports as they are free of charge. Check them for any potential problems or inconsistencies. In case of errors, report them as early as possible.
Number three: Opt out of unsolicited credit card offers. Doing so will help reduce the possibility of someone rifling through your mail and opening credit using your name. Number four: Don’t let your mail sit in the mailbox. Be sure to pick up your mail as soon as it is delivered or have it delivered to a locked box, as identity thieves can also obtain information by stealing your mail which may contain the personal information they would need to impersonate you.
Number five: Check your statements as soon as you receive them. Reconcile your monthly statement against your receipts. If you find even the smallest discrepancy, notify your bank or credit card company immediately. Number six: Become acquainted with a shredder. All read mail should go through the shredder before it goes to the trash bin. Number seven: Beware of unsolicited emails asking for your sensitive information.
Number eight: Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software. Number nine: Protect your social security number. Do not carry your card with you or give your number unless it is absolutely necessary. And number ten: Let experts protect you. While preventative measures can be done by anyone, none of the above steps can stop all identity theft.
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