Your identity can be stolen at any time. This can destroy your credit and ruin your name.  It can also cost you a lot of time and money to get it straightened out.

Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Don't use password that are obvious.
Like your last name, SSN or some variation of those.  Use a password generator that can really help

Do ever click links that solicate from email.
This is a big problem nowadays.  You can get e-mails from the "IRS", "Lottery wins" and even old Uncle "Fritz" that died in Zimbabwe.  Be very suspicious of banks.  Go directly to their site and never click the link in the e-mail.

Don't give out personal info.
Especially over a cell phone.  Crooks have hackers that can pick up the conversation.  Even cordless phones can be broken into.  They do use radio waves.

Protect you SSN.
This is a big one.  It is harder nowadays with your SSN being used as identification.  That needs to halt or more id's will be stolen.  Don't put your SSN on your checks or carry your card with you.

Shred everything.
I shred everything that comes to me that has my name or address on it.  I had my identity stolen and this is how it could have happened.   Here is a story for you.  I was picking up some trash around my house and I found a bill for this lady.  It had all her info on it.  I wanted to call her and tell her, but just decided to shred it for her.  Thank goodness I don't steal.

Keep your info somewhere safe.
Keep password and all you documents in a saftey deposit box or in a safe.

These are just some examples.  I know there are a lot more out there.  If you have any ideas let me know.

Have a great day and don't forget to protect yourself.

J.

 

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14 Comments on Identity theft is a serious crime!!!

FEB
21
2008
644,658 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Jeff,

Thanks for the advice. I sure do not want my identity stolen and lose everything!
9:13am • #1
135,171 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

Mike  It really sucks.  Thank goodness mine didn't do me in.

J.
9:16am • #2

Hey Jeff!

Great topic!  I don't normally promote my blog in other people's, but I wrote a piece entitled Is "Big Title" Outsourcing YOUR Security? in which I detailed how the big five title insurers are shipping your sensitive personal information offshore.  I was surprised by the number of people who are not aware that this is even taking place.  Please feel free to delete my post if you feel that my mentioning it here is not appropriate.

Thanks for your time.

Sincerely,

Scott Perry

North Huntingdon, PA
9:23am • #3
Jeff, I have been a victim of identify theft. I can't believe it was so easy for them to get my information...and it was from a receipt at a hotel where I paid by credit card.  Fortunately, American Express made it good.  It was part of a ring and my information plus others lead to the thefts getting caught.
9:33am • #4
228,103 Points Called Shot Master
I'm also putting copies of all my information on a CD so that if I should ever have a fire in my home I only need to grab one thing to have all of my personal information safe.
9:46am • #5
135,171 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

Scott.  I don't mind as long as it is helping people

J.
9:48am • #6
135,171 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

Kay  Congrats on catching those people.  They need to have a harsher punishment.

J.
9:49am • #7

Jeff,

I've been shredding anything in the mail with my name on it for years, after someone "spammed" me by putting my name on the "more info please" cards in the back of some magazine.  My poor mail carrier was deluged for months after that.  Since then, I've been much more careful about what I put in the trash.  Thanks for the good ideas here in this post.
9:49am • #8
135,171 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

Pat that is some great thinking there. I may have to do the same.  I would still keep a copy off site as you may not be home when the fire starts.

J.
9:50am • #9
135,171 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

Vance  I think someone got my info from a cell call, but it could have been the trash.  I also, have been shredding for years.

J.

 
9:54am • #10
FEB
22
2008
1,910,827 Points 385 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Jeff, this is important information for all of us.  I hate to have to shred my junk mail, but I'm doing it.  Yuck!
9:33am • #11
135,171 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

Patricia.  I know what you mean.  I found that I just cut my name off and throw out the rest.  Saves on shedding a bit.

J.
10:08am • #12
FEB
23
2008
Localism Sponsor Hit Router
Good post with good info.  My shredder and I are best friends!  :)
12:13pm • #13
135,171 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

Rick   I keep killing mine.  I always get a new one though.

J. 

12:38pm • #14

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Jeff Kessler, Broker,GRI 512.801.5666

Austin, TX

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Austin Homes, Realtors www.CentralTexasHomeRebates.com

Address: 3400 Doe Run, Austin, TX, 78748

Cell Phone: (512) 547-4663

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