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Identity theft is something that has affected millions of people and someone has assumed your entire identity. This is a serious problem that can ruin your reputation, finances and even credit score if you are unlucky to be the victim. The truth is, you may not have had your identity stolen yet, but you may know someone who has been a victim of these crimes. Like any other problem, it’s best to take precautions to protect yourself when the condition has already occurred rather than trying to fix it. And luckily with identity theft, it’s easy to do things that can help keep you safe.
1. Carry only what you need in your wallet or purse, Most of the people have a tendency to keep all the valuables in their wallets and purses. While this may be a convenience, you are at great risk if you lose your wallet. Avoid carrying important items like Social Security cards and their security numbers in your purse and instead keep them safe at home. It also helps to not carry all your credit cards and to never have a PIN number for any credit or ATM card you have.
2. Destroy all documents containing sensitive information before they are destroyed, Financial paperwork and documents should not be left lying around or not disposed of properly. This is because many identity thieves use it to steal your personal information. If you have no control over disposal in an office setting, make sure you use a paper shredder to keep your details safe. Documents that you should be very careful about disposing of include bills and invoices, tax forms, credit card requests and loan applications.
3. Monitor Your Credit Score and Report, This is one of the best ways to receive warnings that your identity may have been stolen. New credit card and loan accounts you didn’t open, as well as addresses and names, multiple credit inquiries from companies you’re not associated with are all clues that you could be a victim. You can get a free credit report from the relevant credit bureau and monitor the credit score easily so that any disturbances can be detected and action can be taken before the situation takes a turn for the worst.
4. Choose strong passwords and usernames for your online accounts, This is something that most people don’t pay attention to, yet it can go a long way in protecting your identity. In fact it is advised that you avoid using the same password and username for all your online accounts. Changing passwords regularly and choosing strong passwords each time also go a long way in making it harder for thieves to crack and access your accounts.
5. Review bank statement and credit card statement, Identity thieves are usually after your finances and therefore keeping a close eye on your statements can help you manage the situation before extensive damage is done. Even though professional thieves can easily open new accounts and have statements sent elsewhere, this is one step that can save you from petty theft.
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