9 of 19

Write now Article Tools

Page 3 of 3

want several pieces of identifying information recorded on your personal check (i.e. driver's license number, SSN, home telephone number, etc.). Using a debit card means that you don't need to disclose your personal information to make a purchase. Use checks only to pay established accounts when you send money through the mail.

* CHECK YOUR CREDIT REPORT REGULARLY *

Federal law provides that you can obtain a free copy of your credit report from each of the major credit reporting agencies (Experion, Equifax, and TransUnion) once per year. Fight identity theft by monitoring and reviewing your credit report. You may request your free credit report online (https://www.annualcreditrepor t.com), by phone (1-877-322-8228) or through the mail (Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281). Free credit reports requested online are viewable immediately upon authentication of identity. Free credit reports requested by phone or mail will be processed within 15 days of receiving your request.

* SAFEGUARD YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER *

Your SSN is one of the keys to identity theft. The Social Security Administration advises:

"You should treat your Social Security number as confidential information and avoid giving it out unnecessarily. You should keep your Social Security card in a safe place with your other important papers. Do not carry it with you unless you need to show it to an employer or service provider.

You should be very careful about sharing your number and card to protect against misuse of your number. Giving your number is voluntary even when you are asked for the number directly. If requested, you should ask:

* Why your number is needed;
* How your number will be used;
* What happens if you refuse; and
* What law requires you to give your number.

The answers to these questions can help you decide if you want to give your Social Security number. The decision is yours."

* DON'T LET AN IDENTITY THIEF FIND IT IN YOUR TRASH *

Identity thieves and other criminals (i.e. stalkers) often attempt to gather information about their intended victims from their trash. Think about the type of information that may be found in your trash if you are unwary ~ bank statements, credit card statements, personal letters, invoices, applications, etc.) Shredders can be purchased at most department stores or office supply stores for just a few dollars, and if properly used make it very difficult or impossible to gather personal information about you and your family from the trash.

* STAY INFORMED GET MORE INFORMATION *

Get These Books

"DON'T BE A VICTIM! - How to Protect Yourself from Hoaxes, Scams, and Frauds" http://www.paladin-press.com/d etail.aspx?ID=1400

"SAVE YOUR IDENTITY - ID Theft Awareness, Prevention, and Recovery" http://www.paladin-press.com/d etail.aspx?ID=1103

Check Out These Web-Sites:

* Federal Citizen Information Center (FCIC)
You can learn more about hoaxes, scams and frauds from the FCIC on-line at http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/scam sresources.htm.

* US Postal Service (Free) DVDs
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has produced a series of Free DVDs to help protect you and your family from Telemarketing Fraud, Work at Home Scams, Deceit on the Web, and Identity Theft. You can order your own copies of these DVDs from the USPS web-site at: http://www.usps.com/postalinsp ectors/dvdorder.htm

* Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft
http://www.consumer.gov/i dtheft/

* Social Security Administration Identity Theft and Your SSN
http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/100 64.html

Learn more about this author, Michael Chesbro.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3

Add your voice

Know something about Preventing identity theft?
We want to hear your view. Write now!