| Within the United Kingdom, identity fraud has | | | | shredder can do multiple things; it can destroyyour |
| become one ofhighest rating crimes to date. The | | | | personal documents as well as compact discs or |
| UK government estimatesthat each year identity | | | | floppydisks that could contain identifying |
| fraud costs them 1.3 Billion. | | | | information. |
| Identity fraud has worked because many | | | | Additionally, some shredders will shred a credit |
| companies and peoplein general have been | | | | card aswell. |
| convinced in some way to hand overtheir items, | | | | Protect your credit cards just as you would your |
| documents or money. Identity fraud can | | | | cash. |
| remainundetected for several months before | | | | When you receive a new credit card, it should be |
| anyone realizes whathas been done. | | | | signed byyou immediately. If you must destroy a |
| The UK has come up with an idea that is due in | | | | credit card, youshould shred it by either using a |
| the year | | | | shredder or cutting itup thoroughly with scissors. |
| 2007. They intend to issue Identification cards | | | | If your credit card shouldbecome stolen or lost, |
| thatcontain information biometrically about the | | | | report it to the credit cardcompanies instantly, this |
| individual. | | | | will prevent the card from beingused. Another |
| This information could come in the form of | | | | thing many people do not consider, is whenyou |
| fingerprints oran iris scan. Many people do not | | | | are dining out, be watchful of letting your card |
| believe this will solvethe problem. No matter what | | | | outof sight. One popular fraud is to simply take an |
| the government does to protectyour identity, one | | | | imprintor write down the numbers for use later. |
| thing will always remain the same. Theprotection | | | | Lastly, when you receive your credit card or |
| of your identity is largely your concern. | | | | bankstatements open and review them |
| There are a few things that you can do in efforts | | | | immediately. If you seeanything out of the |
| toprevent identity theft. This of course, is no | | | | ordinary upon the statements, youshould call the |
| guarantee,but it is a great step in protecting | | | | company right away and begin ainvestigation into |
| yourself from thievesand fraud. | | | | it. Additionally, if you should evernotice your |
| When you are cleaning out your desk, do not | | | | statement has not arrived on time, you |
| simply throwyour personal items away. Items | | | | shouldmake a telephone call to the company to |
| such as bank statements,credit card statements, | | | | investigate this. |
| receipts and utility bills shouldbe destroyed. You | | | | It is possible that is has been routed to an |
| could burn these items or obtain ashredder. A | | | | address otherthan your own. |