Article Advise

submitted: Jul 29th 2008 | by: PaulWilcox | Total views: 1 | Word Count: 378 | |

Personal data that thieves can use to steal your identity can be gathered from your garbage, so be sure that any documents with sensitive information are shredded or otherwise destroyed. Examples of such papers are bank statements, credit card statements, etc.

If you allow too much time to pass before emptying your mail box, you will be allowing identity thieves ample opportunity to steal private documents. Obtaining a locking mail box or PO Box will make your mail more secure. Simply bringing the mail in as soon as possible after it arrives will protect you. When mailing a letter or bill with private information or personal checks, be sure to send them from a location other than your home so that the chances that they will be stolen will go be lessened.

Keep your social security number safe. Don't carry your social security card around with you or any other card that has your number on it. Don't use your number on checks or bills that can be stolen.

Home invaders often steal useful personal information when breaking and entering. Knowing this, the importance of storing your social security card in a safe or lock box becomes apparent.

Leaving receipts in stores, ATM's, or banks can also be dangerous. When paying with a credit card, you need to ensure that the receipt leaves whatever business establishment you find yourself in with you.

Handing your card over to restaurant employees could prove to be unwise, since more and more employees are using such opportunities to take advantage of unsuspecting customers. If you can't see what is done with your card, paying with cash or check would be best.

Even though a phone call may seem very professional, you should never ever tell callers any personal information that could be easily used to steal your identity. If the call seems to be from your bank, try to determine why they have called you and then have them offer you a number to call them back at.

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

Looking for more information about how to stop identity theft? Learn more about how you can protect yourself from becoming the latest victim at the Online Security Toolkit website.

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