| It seems like identity theft is the latest phrase on | | | | security number and birth certificate for another - |
| everyone's lips. Have you heard the murmurs | | | | that way it's harder to get all your major |
| too? Do you know what identity theft is?Basically, | | | | identification from one source- always check that |
| identity theft has occurred when someone steals | | | | your personal information will be secure before |
| your personal information, such as driver's license | | | | handing it over to any business, such as a |
| number, social security number, credit card or | | | | doctor's office- be extra careful on the internet, |
| bank account details, or a common identifier such | | | | particularly if you are applying online for a loan, |
| as your mother's maiden name. Usually, the | | | | credit card or insurance policy- think about |
| criminal uses the stolen information to commit | | | | payment alternatives for online purchases, such as |
| fraud.The sad part is that identity theft can | | | | PayPal, so that you don't have to use your credit |
| happen without you even being aware of it. | | | | card. Or use a debit card with a low balance- |
| Depending upon how the criminal operates, you | | | | never give out your personal information over the |
| may not even know it's happened until suddenly | | | | phone, email or internet, unless you are the one |
| your credit card is rejected at a store, or perhaps | | | | who has initiated the conversation- promotions |
| you apply for a loan and get knocked back | | | | can sound really great, but ask if they have a |
| because of your terrible credit record, which as | | | | number you can call them back on before you |
| far as you're aware should be spotless.Once the | | | | give any personal information, and check the |
| theft has already occurred, it's too late to stop | | | | credentials of the company before ringing them |
| the consequences. First you have to prove that | | | | backSome companies are now offering identity |
| your identity was stolen in the first place, which | | | | theft insurance, but it's worth being a little wary |
| isn't always easy. Then you have to deal with the | | | | of these policies. Read all the fine print to |
| results, which can include numerous unauthorized | | | | determine what exactly is covered, and what |
| debts and transactions, a ruined credit card and | | | | assistance the insurance company will give you if |
| more. Obviously the sensible thing to do is to try | | | | you're the victim of identity fraud. Most of these |
| and prevent identity theft occurring in the first | | | | policies are very limited, although that may change |
| place - prevention is a lot easier.So what can you | | | | in the future.When it comes to identity theft, |
| do to make it much harder for your personal | | | | common sense is your best protection. |
| information to be stolen? Here are a few | | | | Remember that your personal information is highly |
| suggestions:- if you have strangers in your home, | | | | valuable, and treat it that way. Always make sure |
| whether they're roommates, trades people or | | | | you understand exactly why someone needs |
| other workers, keep your personal information | | | | access to that information, and that they're |
| locked away- don't leave your mail to be collected | | | | reputable and have information security processes |
| in your mailbox - drop it off at a post office | | | | in place. It may not stop you from suffering |
| collection box or a post office- always empty | | | | identity theft, but at least your risk will be |
| your mailbox as quickly as possible after a | | | | lowered.Timothy Gorman is a successful |
| delivery. If that's difficult, make other | | | | Webmaster who has witnessed first hand the |
| arrangements such as redirecting all your mail to a | | | | effects of identity theft when one of his family |
| post office box- destroy anything personal that | | | | members became a victim. He is the publisher of |
| you don't need to keep for accounting purposes - | | | | StopIdentityTheftResources.info. A website that |
| bill receipts, insurance applications, prescriptions, | | | | provides a quick and easy guide to preventing |
| and credit requests and so on- try to vary the | | | | identity theft that teaches you how to safeguard |
| identification you give when you need to be | | | | your own personal and private information in |
| identified. For example, give your social security | | | | order to keep from becoming a victim of identity |
| number and driver's license for one account, social | | | | theft. |