Identity Theft Protection

What Does Identity Theft Protection Mean

With the proliferation of credit card use and the various numbers associated with our identity, identity theft has become an alarming and growing crime. It is essential that we learn as much as possible about identity theft and identity theft protection.

Basically, identity theft is the use of someone's social security number, driver's license number, credit card number or any other form of identification without that person's permission or knowledge. It happens every day to unsuspecting victims. Fortunately, there are some measures you can take to lessen your chances of becoming prey to these identity thieves.

How The Theft Happens

• Usually when we think of identity theft, we picture having a wallet or purse stolen. The thief then takes your personal identification and uses it -- unrestrained -- for his own benefit.
• Unscrupulous individuals with computers can find your social security number, credit card numbers and bank account numbers by breaking into online data base codes.
• People find your personal information in a dumpster -- yours or the bank's.

Steps to Take to Prevent Your Identity From Being Stolen

• Carry checks and credit cards in a money belt or fanny pack instead of a wallet or purse. Even in case of  mugging, your information stays on you. It is best to take only the credit card and cash you plan to shop with that day.
• When making online purchases, enter personal information only on secure sites which will always have a URL that begins with "https://". Also, there will be a small lock icon at the bottom of any browser when you're at a secure site.
• Never respond in any way to any emails that ask for your password. Instead, report the request to the company to check the validity. These emails look authentic. But, never log into your account from such an email. Open a new window, and log into the company in question. This is the only way to avoid "phishing". The criminals "phish" for your personal information with a key-logging program. In this way, they are able to get any personal information you enter, and use it themselves to steal your identity.
• Never give personal information over the phone to strangers. Only give credit card numbers when you yourself have made a call to place an order with a company you know and trust.
• Shred old credit card statements and bank statement rather than throwing them in the trash. You would be surprised at a thief's ingenuity to take someone else's identity. Inexpensive shredders can be purchased at any office supply store.
• When using credit cards or ATM machines, always protect the visibility of the PIN you punch in.
• Do not carry your social security number in your wallet. It should be kept in a safe place unaccessible to anyone but you.

Special Tips For Online Computer Safety -Do not open files sent by strangers. -Do not click on hyperlinks from people you do not know -Do not download files from people you do not know -Do not trust emails you receive supposedly from PalPal asking you to "update your account information" Use a firewall program on your computer Keep computer clean from Spyware or Trojan programs that log keystroke information by using virus protection software and spyware monitoring and removal software.

More Tips And Suggestions For Your Protection

Make a list of all your credit card numbers and the companies' phone numbers. This can be done easily and accurately by copying the front and back of all your credit cards. This way all the important information will be readily available to you.

Lastly, shred every "pre-approved" credit card application you receive in the mail. Even if torn in half, this information could be used by criminals to compromise your financial standing by stealing your identity.

What to Do In Case You Become A Victim of Identity Theft

1. Use the copies of your credit card numbers and company phone numbers to cancel credit cards immediately.
2. File a police report right away in the jurisdiction where the theft took place. This proves to the credit provider that you were diligent, and it helps in any investigation.
3. Call the three national credit reporting agencies immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and social security number.

In conclusion, Identity Theft can happen to anyone -- no one is immune. But when we take these protective measures, our chances of being victims of identity theft are lessened.

For More Information on Identity Theft Protection and Related Matters, See:

Credit Card Fraud Protection - Consequences Can Be Grave
Identity Theft Shield - Take Proper Precautions
Victim of Identity Theft - Don't Let It Happen To You
Identity Theft Victim - Don't Become One
Identify Theft Protection Advice