Destroy all documents that contain personal information. Thieves still gather personal information used identity theft from the trash so be sure to shred everything you throw away that contains any personal information about you. This includes credit card statements, bank statements, etc.
If you allow too much time to pass before emptying your mail box, you will be allowing identity thieves ample opportunity to steal private documents. Obtaining a locking mail box or PO Box will make your mail more secure. Simply bringing the mail in as soon as possible after it arrives will protect you. When mailing a letter or bill with private information or personal checks, be sure to send them from a location other than your home so that the chances that they will be stolen will go be lessened.
It is very important that your social security number stay private and safe. Carrying your social security card or other cards displaying the number would be unwise. You can also protect yourself by not writing your number on bills or checks that could fall into the wrong hands.
Keeping your card in a secure place like a lock box is important as well; many times information like that is stolen form your home and later used for identity theft by burglars.
Leaving receipts in stores, ATM's, or banks can also be dangerous. When paying with a credit card, you need to ensure that the receipt leaves whatever business establishment you find yourself in with you.
Handing your card over to restaurant employees could prove to be unwise, since more and more employees are using such opportunities to take advantage of unsuspecting customers. If you can't see what is done with your card, paying with cash or check would be best.
Even though a phone call may seem very professional, you should never ever tell callers any personal information that could be easily used to steal your identity. If the call seems to be from your bank, try to determine why they have called you and then have them offer you a number to call them back at.
You should only respond to junk mail if you are going to be taken off of their mailing list. It would be best to avoid junk mail as much as possible. That way, credit card offers can't be stolen from your mailbox and the amount of undesired junk mail you receive will be minimized.
If you allow too much time to pass before emptying your mail box, you will be allowing identity thieves ample opportunity to steal private documents. Obtaining a locking mail box or PO Box will make your mail more secure. Simply bringing the mail in as soon as possible after it arrives will protect you. When mailing a letter or bill with private information or personal checks, be sure to send them from a location other than your home so that the chances that they will be stolen will go be lessened.
It is very important that your social security number stay private and safe. Carrying your social security card or other cards displaying the number would be unwise. You can also protect yourself by not writing your number on bills or checks that could fall into the wrong hands.
Keeping your card in a secure place like a lock box is important as well; many times information like that is stolen form your home and later used for identity theft by burglars.
Leaving receipts in stores, ATM's, or banks can also be dangerous. When paying with a credit card, you need to ensure that the receipt leaves whatever business establishment you find yourself in with you.
Handing your card over to restaurant employees could prove to be unwise, since more and more employees are using such opportunities to take advantage of unsuspecting customers. If you can't see what is done with your card, paying with cash or check would be best.
Even though a phone call may seem very professional, you should never ever tell callers any personal information that could be easily used to steal your identity. If the call seems to be from your bank, try to determine why they have called you and then have them offer you a number to call them back at.
You should only respond to junk mail if you are going to be taken off of their mailing list. It would be best to avoid junk mail as much as possible. That way, credit card offers can't be stolen from your mailbox and the amount of undesired junk mail you receive will be minimized.
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Looking for more information about how to stop identity theft? Learn more about how you can protect yourself from becoming a victim at the Online Security Toolkit website.
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