How to protect yourself from identity theft

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Identity theft is a serious crime that is on the rise. if you

become a victim of identity theft, it could take you months, or

Sal, trying to repair the damage. a compromised credit report

can ruin your chances of getting a new job, loan, insurance or

even housing. it’s true that it’s possible that you could be

arrested for a crime you didn’t commit if someone else used

your identity for breaking a law.

Unfortunately, thieves use a variety of methods to steal

Identity is completely out of your control. although it is

rare, some store clerks have been known to use their position

Giving or selling information to identity thieves. there are some

There are measures you can take, however, that will make it harder for them

To steal your identity.

Protect your credit card number when making purchases:

After you’ve made a purchase and your credit or debit card is

Check to make sure the credit card is swiped through the terminal

Printed receipt hides all but your last four digits

Credit card account number (usually will have an X in place

of the first twelve digits).

Some credit card terminals print receipts that show all

Sixteen digits of the account number, and may also include

end date! After swiping your card, you are allowed by

Law to hide first 12 digits of account number

Copy of the receipt retained by the seller. use a pen or marker

Cross out the other numbers completely.

When dining out, it is important to ensure that the first 12

The digits of your credit card number are hidden on the receipt. You

Maybe it’s a habit to sign it and then drop it

Restaurant copy on the table after your meal. an identity thief

Can steal the signed receipt before the waiter comes back to collect it

it above the table.

Do You Really Need to Give Your Social Security Number?

Avoid giving out your Social Security number unless it is

absolutely necessary. However you need to share your social

security number when you apply for a credit or bank account,

Sometimes a store or an organization would like to use it as an ID

Number. The law says, even though it is a fairly common practice

Social Security numbers should not be used as ID numbers. In

In these situations, use your judgment. is usually a

Options if you ask.

Destroy documents containing sensitive personal information:

Buy an office paper shredder and use it to destroy documents

you’re withdrawing includes personal information like credit

card number, social security number, phone number and date of birth

Dates Do this both at home and at work.

Identity thieves often go to someone’s trash to find

personal information that can help them get credit

Name of the victim.

If this happens to you, take the following steps immediately:

1: Contact your credit card companies, close your accounts and

Ask you to issue new cards.

2: Place a fraud alert on your file with three major credits

Bureau (Equifax: 1-800-525-6285, Experience: 1-888-397-3742 and

Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289).

3: File a report with your local police department. you may need

To show a copy of the report as evidence to the creditors

Crime.

4: File a Complaint with the FTC:

[http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/] – They maintain a database of

identity theft cases are used by law enforcement agencies for their

Test.

Mike Nalbone is the webmaster:

[http://Online-Background-Check.net] who gives news

Information and resources that anyone can access online

Investigation and criminal background check.

This article is © 2005 and may be published in its entirety,

unmodified, provided the above resource box is included with

With an active (clickable) link:

[http://Online-Background-Check.net]

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