Seven Simple Steps To Identity Theft Prevention
Subhendu Zabada
July 23, 2008
Identity theft is real and it affects nine million Americans each year. We have to keep ourselves safe when we are surfing the Internet, speaking to a business over the phone and cautious of what we place in our trash.
The dangers of identity theft are all around us. As we grow in understanding of these dangers we have to take steps to prevent ourselves from becoming a victim. You can do this with seven simple steps. Try what works for you and build up to all seven for the ultimate in identity theft protection.
1.Protect your personal information by not providing anyone information online or over the phone.
2.Purchase a good paper shredder and destroy any paper documents, credit cards, etc. that may put your identity at risk when placed in the trash bin.
3.Keep personal documents in a locked file cabinet or a safe. Even the babysitter could be a potential identity thief.
4.Consider a locking mailbox. A lock keeps prying hands out and your mail in.
5.Keep high-risk documents at home. Social security cards, birth certificates and like documents should be kept under lock and key.
6.Password security. When creating passwords do not use birth-dates, nicknames, pet names or other familiar words as passwords. These are too easy to guess and put you at risk. Make a combination of letters and numbers for safety.
7.Try online billing for added protection. Cancel paper bills. This is good as a safety measure and good for the planet.
Try a few of these steps or try them all to keep yourself and your good name safe and sound.
Remember, the most important thing is to never provide your phone number, bank account or social security number online. My mentor Jay Peters is the founder of Consumer Publishing Group which publishes the Credit Secrets Bible (in print since 1994). To receive Free Credit Tips including "How to Bullet-Proof Yourself From Identity Theft For FREE!" visit their website
This is far too big of a risk for identity theft. Unfortunately there are hackers and scam artists who are waiting for personal information to come across the screen.
The dangers of identity theft are all around us. As we grow in understanding of these dangers we have to take steps to prevent ourselves from becoming a victim. You can do this with seven simple steps. Try what works for you and build up to all seven for the ultimate in identity theft protection.
1.Protect your personal information by not providing anyone information online or over the phone.
2.Purchase a good paper shredder and destroy any paper documents, credit cards, etc. that may put your identity at risk when placed in the trash bin.
3.Keep personal documents in a locked file cabinet or a safe. Even the babysitter could be a potential identity thief.
4.Consider a locking mailbox. A lock keeps prying hands out and your mail in.
5.Keep high-risk documents at home. Social security cards, birth certificates and like documents should be kept under lock and key.
6.Password security. When creating passwords do not use birth-dates, nicknames, pet names or other familiar words as passwords. These are too easy to guess and put you at risk. Make a combination of letters and numbers for safety.
7.Try online billing for added protection. Cancel paper bills. This is good as a safety measure and good for the planet.
Try a few of these steps or try them all to keep yourself and your good name safe and sound.
Remember, the most important thing is to never provide your phone number, bank account or social security number online. My mentor Jay Peters is the founder of Consumer Publishing Group which publishes the Credit Secrets Bible (in print since 1994). To receive Free Credit Tips including "How to Bullet-Proof Yourself From Identity Theft For FREE!" visit their website
This is far too big of a risk for identity theft. Unfortunately there are hackers and scam artists who are waiting for personal information to come across the screen.
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