| Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in | | | | many cards at once. When you receive any credit |
| the world and so it is vital that everyone learn how | | | | cards make a copy of both sides and keep this filed in |
| they can prevent identity theft. In this article we will be | | | | a safe place. |
| covering a couple of tips that you can use to fight | | | | Prevent identity theft by being extra careful with your |
| identity theft and protect yourself. | | | | mail. Lock mail boxes, remove your name from mailing |
| The first step in order to prevent identity theft is being | | | | lists and opt out of receiving credit offers. All of these |
| aware of it and how it can happen. Once one realizes | | | | put you at risk of having mail stolen that can be used |
| how identity theft occurs and the type of information | | | | for identity theft purposes. |
| that criminals look for you are better able to protect | | | | Another way to prevent identity theft is to shred all |
| this information. The main areas you should watch out | | | | mail that you are discarding. This stops people from |
| for in this area are your credit card details, social | | | | going through trash and getting your personal details |
| security number and other personal details. | | | | off old mail. This applies to all documents which contain |
| Before giving out your social security number to | | | | personal information that could be used in an identity |
| anyone ask them why they need it, what it will be | | | | theft case. |
| used for and what would happen if you refuse to give | | | | Fight identity theft by regularly ordering credit reports |
| it to them. By asking this information you will be better | | | | on yourself and using these to check that no other |
| informed as to whether you actually want to give out | | | | credit cards have been opened in your name. |
| this information to them. Do not carry your social | | | | It is also important to fight identity theft online. This can |
| security number around with you and keep it locked up | | | | be done by ensuring proper internet and computer |
| in a safe place at home. | | | | security. Make sure you use anti-virus software, only |
| Credit card identity theft is a huge business and one | | | | open email attachments if you know where they are |
| that we all need to be careful of. In order to fight | | | | from and what they contain, use firewall software and |
| identity theft only carry around credit cards with you | | | | passwords on your computer. |
| when you will be using them and try not to carry too | | | | |