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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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