17 Ways to Prevent Identity Theft


Identity fraud can be devastating if you are a victim, but there are ways to prevent identity theft. By taking some simple precautions, you can greatly reduce the likely-hood that your good name and credit will be stolen. Just how do you prevent identity theft from happening to you? Read the following article for some pointers.

Identity Theft Prevention Techniques

Follow these identity theft prevention strategies to minimize your risk of becoming a victim:

  1. Carry only the identification information and the number of credit and debit cards that you'll actually need. 

  2. Keep your personal information in your home secure, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help or are having service work done in your home. 

  3. Guard your Social Security number. It can be used to open new accounts, credit cards, or even get a job in your name. 

  4. Cancel unused credit card accounts. 

  5. Do not carry your SSN card; leave it in a secure place. 

  6. Ask about information security procedures in your workplace or at businesses, doctor's offices or other institutions that collect personally identifying information from you. 

  7. Order your credit report and monitor it often. 

  8. Remove your name from the marketing lists of the three credit bureaus to reduce the number of pre-approved credit offers you receive. 

  9. Buy a crosscut shredder. Shred all old bank and credit statements and credit card offers before throwing them in the trash. 

  10. Make copies of the contents of your wallet - in case your wallet or purse is stolen. 

  11. Do not leave mail with personal information in your mailbox. 

  12. Never give your credit card number, social security number, or other personal information over the phone unless you trust that individual and/or business. 

  13. Protect your personal information on your computer by installing a firewall and updating your virus protection. 

  14. Do not print your Social Security or Driver's License number on your checks. 

  15. Carefully examine the charges on your credit card and bank statements. 

  16. Subscribe to an identity theft protection service which will notify you whenever someone tries to assume your identity. 

  17. Place passwords on your credit card, bank, and phone accounts.

Article submitted by Identity Theft Prevention Guide. 10 million victims in the last 5 years...Don't be the next one.


For more information on ways to prevent identity theft, read the following articles:

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