5 Simple Steps To Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft

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Are you the victim of identity theft? According to Joanna Crane of the Federal Trade Commission’s Identity Theft Program, 80% of the victims who call the FTC say they don’t have any idea how it occurred.

Furthermore, an FTC survey reported that 4.6percent of those polled reported they had been a victim of identity theft over the past year. Furthermore, as demonstrated by a recent General Accounting Office report, it’s projected that as many as 750,000 Americans are victims of identity theft every year.

Is this invisible enemy and therefore are American’s personal and financial information that easily accessible to identity thieves? What can the average American do to safeguard themselves from those personal attacks on their privacy? Although there are no guarantees, here are just three easy Measures to help prevent identity theft:

1) Shred personal credit card statements, tax documents, bank statements, pre-approved credit card offers or any other documentation with personal financial details.

2) If you are inundated with charge card card gives you can call toll free 1-888-567-8688 to opt out and request to have your name removed from the mailing list. Additionally, you can telephone the federal do not call registry in 1-888-382-1222 to stop unsolicited telemarketing calls at which you can divulge personal details.

3) Monitor your credit report at least once per year. You’re entitled to a free credit report also may get one by telephoning 1-877-322-8228. Look for suspicious activity. It’s also wise to subscribe to a credit card agency which will inform you of changes in your credit score.

4) Check your mailbox daily and do not permit mail to sit overnight in your own mailbox. Mail theft is an easy method for thieves to secure personal details. It’s ideal to mail incoming invoices and checks in the post office or other protected places. If you believe your mail was stolen you must contact the nearest postal inspector. You’re able to look in the white pages under Government Services or telephone 1-800-ASK-USPS.

5) Be more guarded with your own information. Do not divulge your personal information publicly. Never”validate” your personal or financial data when contacted via an email, even if it’s a company you do business together; they even have this information on file. It may look legitimate and realistic, but these efforts are getting more sophisticated and these types of scams are what’s known as”phishing”.

We’ve explored five easy steps that the ordinary man can do to help themselves stop identity theft. In this age of advanced communications and technology and with the thieves getting more deceptive than ever, it’s vital to continue to instruct yourself. Be careful and understand this information can be abused and it’s your responsibility to safeguard your own famliy from this growing trend.