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Knock Out The Nightmare Of Identity Theft

Reblogger
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Ellison Realty 352-209-4044

This is such an excellent post with great advice, I thought you'd like to read it for yourself!

Original content by Gary Woltal 0575737

Running ScreamFrom all accounts from what I heard if you think getting spam in your email box is bad, or unwanted phone calls at home, think about Identity Theft. We need to

Knock Out The Nightmare Of Identity Theft.

It is a nightmare, because someone poses as YOU with social security number and credit card information in hand or BLANK CHECKS with your name on it and wreaks havoc on your financial life. Some safeguards to protect yourself from this beast:

  • Burn or shred any financial papers, mail or credit reports that contain personal information. Never recycle that paper.
  • Get on the phone and call 1-888-5OPT-OUT and request that credit card companies stop sending pre-approved credit card applications. Ask your existing credit card companies to stop sending you "convenience checks."
  • Have a shredder that can also destroy CDs, credit cards and staples. Shred often to dispose of confidential information about YOU.
  • Delete any email or files after you have used it for your purposes that mentions your credit report or other personal financial information
  • Hang up on any telemarketers that ask for personal financial information. Beware of "phishing" emails from banks or lenders requesting passwords
  • LIMIT the number of credit cards you have, both business and personal. When you can, use a credit card instead of a debit card with its maximum $50 liability.
  • Review your paper and online bank statements looking for any discrepancies.
  • If you are so inclined, look into Identity Theft insurance companies like LifeLock, TrustedID or others. There were 11 million crime victims in this area in 2009 so it is not insignificant
  • If you are the head of YOUR business, review your security policies and make them very strong with regard to the consumer's sensitive private information (credit card numbers, social security number, financial and personal information)

Head off the beast to not be screaming in your life...

Comments (1)

Lydia Pollard
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc. Brokerage - Mississauga, ON

Thanks Sara...lots of good suggestions.

Lydia

Jul 14, 2010 03:15 PM