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How can I Avoid Identity Theft?

Bronwyn Harris
Bronwyn Harris

Identity theft is a frightening prospect, but there are steps you can take to lessen your risk of falling victim to it. One of the best ways to avoid identity theft is to keep your Social Security number private. Don't give the number out unless you have to and you know who you are giving it to. Always ask if you can give other information instead, or possibly just the last four digit of your Social Security number. If an identity thief gets your Social Security number, it is very easy to open credit card accounts — and worse — in your name.

An easy way to avoid identity theft is to invest in a shredder. A lot of sensitive personal information can be found in someone's trash. Bills, receipts, bank statements, or loan applications can be used to steal your identity. Make sure you shred anything with your Social Security number, and never carry your Social Security card in your wallet.

Strong passwords should always be used when banking or spending online.
Strong passwords should always be used when banking or spending online.

Change passwords and PINs frequently to help avoid identity theft. Make sure you don't use passwords or PINs that are easy to guess, such as names or birth dates. Never write your PIN on your credit or debit card — it sounds obvious, but people do it!

Check credit card statements carefully. Each month, when your statement comes in the mail, check it to make sure that all of the transactions are accurate and that there are no unauthorized charges. To avoid identity theft, report any lost or stolen credit cards immediately. Never share your credit cards with anyone!

Identity theft occurs when a person's identity is assumed by someone else.
Identity theft occurs when a person's identity is assumed by someone else.

It may not avoid identity theft, but checking your credit rating can alert you to anything suspicious that may have come up. The three national credit reporting agencies in the United States — Experian, Equifax, and Transunion — are required to provide one free credit report per year for anyone who requests it.

If you do become a victim of identity theft, contact the police and file a police report immediately. A police report will be necessary to file identity theft claims with credit card companies.

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    • Strong passwords should always be used when banking or spending online.
      By: Brilt
      Strong passwords should always be used when banking or spending online.
    • Identity theft occurs when a person's identity is assumed by someone else.
      By: BestPhotoStudio
      Identity theft occurs when a person's identity is assumed by someone else.
    • To avoid identity theft, Social Security cards should be securely stored and not carried in your wallet.
      By: JohnKwan
      To avoid identity theft, Social Security cards should be securely stored and not carried in your wallet.
    • Making sure to regularly check computers for viruses can help prevent identity theft.
      By: jamdesign
      Making sure to regularly check computers for viruses can help prevent identity theft.
    • Consumers should only shop from trusted online businesses.
      By: karelnoppe
      Consumers should only shop from trusted online businesses.
    • Saving receipts to compare with account information can help people stay aware of unusual account activities.
      By: Odua Images
      Saving receipts to compare with account information can help people stay aware of unusual account activities.
    • Some people keep important information in a safety deposit box to prevent against identity theft.
      By: Tom Mc Nemar
      Some people keep important information in a safety deposit box to prevent against identity theft.
    • Some people steal a person's identity by sifting important documents out of the trash.
      By: smuay
      Some people steal a person's identity by sifting important documents out of the trash.
    • Debit card PIN numbers should be changed regularly to prevent identity theft.
      By: Hunor Kristo
      Debit card PIN numbers should be changed regularly to prevent identity theft.