Article Advise

submitted: Aug 25th 2008 | by: PaulWilcox | Total views: 1 | Word Count: 338 | |

Destroy all documents that contain personal information. Thieves still gather personal information used identity theft from the trash so be sure to shred everything you throw away that contains any personal information about you. This includes credit card statements, bank statements, etc.

Guard your mail box and retrieve your received mail as soon as possible. Personal documents can be taken from your mail box by thieves. Consider a PO Box or, for added security, a lockable mail box. Also, never mail bills or letters containing personal checks from your home, as they can be stolen easily.

Guard your social security number, and keep your card in a permanent place. Do not carry your social security card on it, and do not use this number on any papers that can be easily stolen.

Consider a lock box or safety deposit box for your social security card. Burglars often steal personal information and use it for identity theft in the future.

Keep track of your bank, ATM, and store receipts. If you've used a credit card to pay for something, your receipt contains information that could be used for identity theft.

Never let your credit card out of your site. It is becoming increasingly common for employees of stores and restaurants to make copies of cards while they are away form their owners. If you can't keep track of your card pay with cash or check, or at restaurants pay the bill yourself instead of giving your car an employee.

Don't give your personal information over the telephone. If someone calls you, inquire about their reason for calling and ask what company they represent, even if it's a call from your bank or financial institution. Return their call at a number you know is legitimate to verify the call before giving them the information.

Opt out of junk mail. Respond to junk mail offers by asking to be removed form their list. This will save you the potential problem of having credit card offers stolen form your mail as well as save you form unwanted junk mail.

About the Author

Is your computer as secure as it need to be? Find out what you need to be doing to keep it safe from spyware, viruses and other online security threats at the Online Security Toolkit website. Visit http://www.onlinesecuritytoolkit.com for more information.

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