How to prevent identity theft
Krystal Caldwell
Issue date: 4/21/09 Section: How To Guide
| |
|
If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Everyone with an e-mail address has gotten those e-mails from a banker or prince/princess overseas with all this money they are trying to get out of their country to avoid it all being taken away from them or to help them escape the country. All they need is someone - you - to help them by accepting a wire transfer and sending them the money. All you would need to do it send them a check - for a substantial amount of money - to pay the fees they would have to pay, but for your trouble you would get half of their fortune. This would be an example of "too good to be true" and it is. There is no banker or member of a royal family in exile; they just want your money which they will get all of once they receive your check with all your bank information on it. From there they can access your credit cards and other vital information creating a mess for you to deal with. Do yourself a favor and just hit delete when you see one of those e-mails.
Remember the word "SCAM"
The United States Department of Justice advises everyone to remember the word "SCAM" so you don't get scammed.
First, be Stingy with your personal information and who you trust with it. They advise to adopt a "need to know" approach with your information. For instance if someone calls you telling you that you have won a prize or the chance to receive a credit card, but then they start to ask for personal information - your social security number, credit card number with expiration date, or mother's maiden name - ask for a written application. If they refuse, tell them you aren't interested and hang up. If they comply, go over the application with a fine tooth comb; check with the Better Business Bureau to confirm the validity of the company also.
Check your financial information regularly and note what should and should not be there. If you normally receive monthly statements of your financial records, check them carefully. Look for abnormalities like a purchase of a substantial amount at a store or Web site you've never been to. If you aren't receiving your statements, contact your financial company and ask why. If they are being mailed to an address you didn't authorize, tell a representative and they will assist you in taking the next steps into reporting the fraud.
Ask for a copy of your credit report every so often. A credit report will list all bank and financial accounts under your name and will often provide you with the first indication if someone has fraudulently opened accounts in your name.
Finally, Maintain careful records of all your accounts. Sure it seems like a lot of work, especially since your bank or credit card company does this too, but keeping meticulous records will help you out in the long run.
Other tips and tricks
There are other little things you can do to make sure that can protect your identity on the Internet. Fraud.org advises to keep a watchful eye on your mail. It contains account numbers and other vital personal information. Try to collect it as soon as possible and if you are going on a trip either have a trusted friend or neighbor pick it up for you or have the Post Office put a hold on it until you return home.
Memorize all your passwords and PINs. Do not keep them in wallets or where someone else can find them.
If you are on active duty in the military, contact your financial companies and let them know. They can put an alert in your file for up to 12 months that will allow them to take extra precautions to make sure that it is you asking for that shiny new credit card and not someone else.
Be the first to comment on this story