According to statistics from 2006, identity theft happens to more than eight million people a year. As a result, there are a slew of companies offering services to prevent identity theft. There ARE measures that the average person can take though that will help prevent identity theft. This includes protecting your privacy,and your personal information, shredding mail and financial documents, and monitoring your credit diligently. You might also consider purchasing identity theft insurance. It won't stop identity theft from happening, but it will prevent theft from taking over your savings and ruining your credit.
How to Guard Your Privacy
Too many people dont know their rights when it comes to giving out information or even demanding to know how companies are treating their personal data. While most people know it isnt a good idea to give out personal information through an email link or to a telemarketer over the phone, it is still a challenge for most people to take a stand in order to prevent identity theft when faced with an official sounding demand for personal info. Identity thieves know this and have started impersonating medical facilities, collections agencies, and even the Red Cross. When someone (the thief) is on the phone claiming that your loved one is in danger or that your house may be foreclosed on if you dont confirm your social security number immediately, it is difficult to ignore your panic and say no, not over the phone.
Shred Your Mail
You should shred all financial documents that you don't need for your taxes- bank and credit card statements, offers for credit cards that come in your name, utility bills, etc. Purchase a crosscut shredder for the most security. By shredding documents this way, it will decrease the chance that someone will steal your documents from your information.
Always Monitor Your Credit Reports
A new law that took effect a few years ago entitles every consumer to one free annual credit report from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus: Experian, Trans Union, and Equifax. If you choose to space your reports, you can obtain a credit report every four months. Monitoring this information on your credit report is a huge step in keeping identity theft from happening to you.
Consider Purchasing Identity Theft Insurance
Identity theft insurance won't help prevent identity theft. It can, however, make getting back on track after identity theft occurs. Typically a policy will cover out of pocket expenses, as well as any charges you are responsible for. Most companies won't find you personally responsible for charges made by an identity theif, but it's best to check to make sure. Identity theft insurance is very reasonable- priced between $25 to $50 a year for between $15,000 to $20,000 in coverage. - 15224
How to Guard Your Privacy
Too many people dont know their rights when it comes to giving out information or even demanding to know how companies are treating their personal data. While most people know it isnt a good idea to give out personal information through an email link or to a telemarketer over the phone, it is still a challenge for most people to take a stand in order to prevent identity theft when faced with an official sounding demand for personal info. Identity thieves know this and have started impersonating medical facilities, collections agencies, and even the Red Cross. When someone (the thief) is on the phone claiming that your loved one is in danger or that your house may be foreclosed on if you dont confirm your social security number immediately, it is difficult to ignore your panic and say no, not over the phone.
Shred Your Mail
You should shred all financial documents that you don't need for your taxes- bank and credit card statements, offers for credit cards that come in your name, utility bills, etc. Purchase a crosscut shredder for the most security. By shredding documents this way, it will decrease the chance that someone will steal your documents from your information.
Always Monitor Your Credit Reports
A new law that took effect a few years ago entitles every consumer to one free annual credit report from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus: Experian, Trans Union, and Equifax. If you choose to space your reports, you can obtain a credit report every four months. Monitoring this information on your credit report is a huge step in keeping identity theft from happening to you.
Consider Purchasing Identity Theft Insurance
Identity theft insurance won't help prevent identity theft. It can, however, make getting back on track after identity theft occurs. Typically a policy will cover out of pocket expenses, as well as any charges you are responsible for. Most companies won't find you personally responsible for charges made by an identity theif, but it's best to check to make sure. Identity theft insurance is very reasonable- priced between $25 to $50 a year for between $15,000 to $20,000 in coverage. - 15224
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Is your internet security really doing what it's supposed to? Don't just blindly rely on some software suite to protect you. Find out what you need to know to keep yourself protected online at the Security Manor website. Visit http://www.securitymanor.com for more helpful tips & advice.
