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Identity Theft: Ways to Fight

The first thing to remember is that your social security number (SSN) is a prime target for identity thieves, which means that you must take absolute care about not revealing it unless you are absolutely sure that it is in safe hands. For the same reason take care not to print your SSN on your checks and make a point of ordering an annual Social Security Earnings and Benefits statement so that you can check it through for any possible fraud. 

Do make a habit of shredding all your personal and sensitive information, especially old credit and bank statements and credit card offers. It is best to use a crosscut shredder, worth the extra cost as these are much more efficient than ordinary shredders.  

Remember to keep photocopies of your driver's license and credit cards so that you have a complete record of all your details recorded  on them.

It is important not to carry unnecessary credit cards around with you and to make sure that you post all bills and checks at the post office rather than the local post box which is an easy target for thieves, who can wash your checks clean in chemicals. 

It is also wise to cancel unused credit card accounts and to check all your credit card statements thoroughly before paying your bills. It is also an important rule not to divulge your credit card number or any personal information over the phone if you are not familiar with the caller or their business.  

Tell them you will ring them back and then check their authenticity if you want to proceed with the transaction.

It is essential to keep a careful check on your credit report, which contains  sensitive personal and financial details including not only your SSN but also all your account numbers, old and new and even the names of all your employers, past and current.  

It is a good idea to join up to a service that monitors credit reports and notifies you when any unusual transactions occur in your name.  

If you apply for any credit, do insist that the lender destroys your SSN on the application form and either shreds or returns to you the original credit report. In fact all the information that the lender needs is your name and credit score to enable them to reach a decision on your application. 

Finally, to reduce the amount of junk mail you receive, contact the three main credit bureaus and request the removal of your name from their lists. Also contact the Direct Marketing Association's mail preference service so that your name is added to the list of people who wish to opt out of receiving junk mail. 

Once you have taken all these essential precautions, you have done all you can to avoid becoming the victim of identity theft

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