Simple possible ways to prevent online offline identity theft

Great Ways To Prevent Identity Theft
By Abhishek Agarwal

Identity theft is an increasingly bothersome and dangerous crime. Victims of identity theft suffer tremendous financial vulnerability that may take years to clear up. Follow this advice.

Identity theft has become the crime of the 21st Century. Criminals steal personal information from others and then "pose" as their victim to secure mortgages and loans, open new credit or make purchases on existing accounts, or even access their victim's bank accounts to steal their money.

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It's difficult to control identity theft. First, it's hard to know when it's happening. Second, because the thief is using a false identity, it's hard to catch and prosecute them.

Federal and state governments are doing what they can to prevent identity theft by passing new legislation identifying it as a crime worthy of prison time and then trying to enforce the laws. Businesses are developing and installing better security on their computer systems and trying harder to protect their customers' personal information from hackers.


But, at least in today's world, preventing identity theft falls largely upon us, the individual consumer. Here are some tips to help you protect yourself from this malicious, damaging crime:
Here are some ways to prevent identity theft:

1. Protect your mail with a lock

Whether using your residential mail box or renting a box at the Post Office or postal service, be sure your mail is protected from the eyes and hands of greedy criminals. Stealing mail that contains personal information is perhaps the biggest source of identity theft today.

2. Rent a box from your Post Office or a postal service

Especially if you're frequently away from home, you'll enjoy better personal security if you keep your mail where others have their eyes on it when you're away. And you can let the service know who is authorized to open your mailbox if necessary. Keep the key with you, and don't lend it to people you're not sure about. Use this service for posting your outgoing mail as well. Don't leave it attached to your residential mailbox where anyone can pick it up. Finally, ask the Post Office to hold your mail while you're gone on long trips. It will be much more secure at the post office than in your mailbox.

3. NEVER give out personal information over the phone.

Some identity thieves pose as representatives for a charity or a telemarketing or polling firm to fool you into trusting them enough to get your personal information. Don't even give your birth date to them! Ask if you can call them back. Better yet, simply hang up. You don't owe these callers a thing!

4. Have a private, unlisted phone number

You'll be more secure if the only people who know your number got it directly from you. And give your phone number to those people you trust. Ask them not to share it with others unless they ask you first. You have a right to your privacy. Don't use the unlisted number on internet or printed forms either. And if you do get calls from telemarketers, tell them to "Take my name off your list." By law, they can't call you again for a year when you make this request.

5. Keep your PINs and passwords in a safe place

If you don't feel comfortable memorizing your PINs and passwords and feel you must write them down. Be sure you store your lists in a locked, secure location. Don't let anyone else know where you keep the information, and don't lend the key to anyone. Also, store your PINs in a different location as your plastic cards. A thief who can't guess your PIN will end up getting locked out of the system. This will be a good warning sign for you, and it will protect your money! Also, if don't intend to use a credit or debit card, don't carry it with you. Not only will this protect it from being stolen, it'll help you stay within your personal budget!

6. Keep a photocopy of your wallet's contents in a safe, locked place

Make sure you have a record of the contents of your wallet or purse. That way, you can easily report to each company if and when your belongings are lost or stolen. In case of loss, immediately notify every company involved and ask them to freeze your account.

7. Be smart when you choose your passwords

Avoid using common passwords based on your birth date, an anniversary, your phone number, or your pet's name. Mix letters with numbers and symbols. Avoid using the same password for all your accounts, but be sure each of your accounts is password protected. Finally, change your passwords at least twice a year.

8. Get regular credit reports

Request your one-time-a-year free credit report. You have a right to it. And if you can afford the additional cost, it would be better to get regular updates throughout the year. Intervals of 3 to 6 months will help you keep close track on your accounts and allow you to catch suspicious activity sooner. Call the three major agencies to get your report:

Equifax: P.O. Box 740241 Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
          For emergencies, call 1-800-525-6285

Experian: P.O. Box 2002 Allen TX 75013
          For emergencies, call 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
Trans Union: P.O. Box 1000, Chester, PA 19022
          For emergencies, call 1-800-680-7289

9. Review your bills when you receive them, and keep them in a locked safe place

Be sure to note all purchases and transactions on your monthly statements to be sure you are familiar with them. If you find a transaction you did not authorize, act on it immediately. Notify the company of your suspicions and submit a dispute with the vendor. Save your old statements for at least a year in case a problem arises. And keep your personal papers under lock and key. This would include birth certificates and social security cards; applications for mortgages, loans, and credit cards; and bills, invoices, and monthly statements. These documents are rich with personal information that will be a goldmine to an identity thief. If you can, keep these papers in a safe deposit box where only you and one other trusted person know the location and/or have a key.

10. Invest in a good paper shredder

The best way to protect personal information on papers you don't want to keep is to use a cross-cut paper shredder to destroy them before you throw them away. This should include outdated credit receipts, credit application copies, insurance forms you don't need anymore, physician invoices and reports, old checks and bank statements, and expired credit cards you don't intend to renew or use again. Do yourself a favor and immediately shred pre-approved credit applications.

11.  Be careful with your credit cards

If at all possible, ask for a photo ID type credit card. And when you use it, note whether the clerk checks your signature against the one on the card. If they don't, you might want to avoid that store in the future. Don't let a waitress or waiter walk away with your credit card. Better to pay cash at restaurants than to risk the copy-it-while-I-have-it scam.


12. Use common sense online

Use encrypted or secure servers when you sign into financial accounts or make online purchases. Do not do business with websites you haven't heard of before. Don't open files sent to you by people you don't know. For that matter, don't open e-mails from strangers. Delete them immediately. Install and maintain current anti-virus, firewall, and adware software to block and delete malicious cookies and spyware before it does any damage. Set your browser to refuse to open pop-ups without your approval. Be careful and suspicious online. You can't see the person or people at the other end, and you don't know what their intentions are. Limit your online purchases to well known businesses and places where you already have an account.

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Identity theft,Identity theft prevention,Methods to prevent occurrences of Identity theft

Can national identity card help prevent identity theft

Will a National ID Card Prevent Identity Theft?
By Robert Siciliano

In a word, no. By itself, a national ID card will not prevent all forms of identity theft. However, if a number of other factors come into play that will effectively associate the credited with credit...
In a word, no. By itself, a national ID card will not prevent all forms of identity theft. However, if a number of other factors come into play that will effectively associate the credited with credit, meaning there is a factual amount of accountability through identity proofing, then yes, new account fraud as it relates to identity theft can be averted.

The same can be said to prevent medical identity theft and criminal identity theft, but again there needs to be effective identity proofing. Identity proofing means proving identity, that someone is who they say they are.  There are few ways to do this and much of identity proofing begins with knowledge based authenticating questions coupled with documentation that may work towards verifying who is who. Once a person is proofed, a biometric feature such as a finger print or iris scan may be captured. Effectively authenticating.

For example; when in the process of proofing numerous questions may be answered that only the actual person would know, like the name of a first grade teacher or the make and model of a first vehicle. This is not fool proof, and with the internet and information being so readily available, knowledge based authentication may be extinct in less than 5 years. Next would be a copy of a utility bill or mortgage statement. While these can certainly be extracted from the trash, the combination of a knowledge based question along with proving documents begin to proof who is who. Once this process is complete, then a biometric is captured.

There is also identity scoring which is a very effective identity proofing method.

An identity score is a system for tagging and verifying the legitimacy of an individual's public identity. Identity scores are increasingly being adopted as a means to prevent fraud in business and as a tool to verify and correct public records.

Identity scores incorporate a broad set of consumer data that gauges a person's legitimacy. Identity score components can include (but are not limited to) personal Identifiers , public records, Internet data, government records, corporatedata, predicted behavior patterns based on empiric data, self-assessed behavior patterns, and credit records.

USA Today reports Four years have passed since Congress enacted a national ID law, the Real ID Act, which will make it tougher to obtain a driver's license fraudulently. Real ID has languished due to states fighting the Act for various reasons including its too expensive.  Proponents of Real ID say it will not only to deter terrorism but also to reduce identity theft, curb illegal immigration and reduce underage drinking, all by making the nation's identification-of-choice more secure.

Former Dept of , Homeland Security Secretary Chertoff stated; "I'm going to submit to you that in the 21st Century, the most important asset that we have to protect as individuals and as part of our nation is the control of our identity, who we are, how we identify ourselves, whether other people are permitted to masquerade and pretend to be us, and thereby damage our livelihood, damage our assets, damage our reputation, damage our standing in our community."

Now, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, who previously was governor of Arizona, is proposing to junk Real ID.

Real ID has many provisions that are forms of identity proofing along with the potential for biometrics across the board. When the state of Indiana checked its 6 million drivers against a Social Security database, it ended up invalidating 19,000 licenses that didn't match. When it began using "facial recognition" technology to make its photos secure, the state caught a man who had 149 licenses with the same photo but different names.

Is Napolitano moving backwards or forwards? Do your research and decide for yourself.

Protect yourself from identity theft;

1. Get a credit freeze. Go online now and search "credit freeze" or "security freeze" and go to consumersunion.org and follow the steps for the state you live in. This is an absolutely necessary tool to secure your credit. In most cases it prevents new accounts from being opened in your name.

2. Invest in Identity Protection. While not all forms of identity theft can be prevented, you can effectively manage your personal identifying information by knowing what's buzzing out there in regards to YOU.

Includes;

Personal Identity Profile - Find out if you're at risk for identity theft with a detailed report of your identity information, including a current credit report, address history, aliases, and more.

24/7 Identity Monitoring and Alerts - Prevent identity theft with automatic monitoring that scans billions of public records daily and alerts you to suspicious activity.

Identity Recovery Assistance - Let professionals help you recover your identity if you ever become a victim of identity theft.

Robert Siciliano [http://IDTheftSecurity.com]http://IDTheftSecurity.com.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Will-a-National-ID-Card-Prevent-Identity-Theft?&id=2850645] Will a National ID Card Prevent Identity Theft?

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Preventing Identity Theft
By Joseph L Ryan

The best protection against identity theft, without doubt, is identity theft prevention. A recent article in USA Today shows how identity theft can happen. An identity theft ring hacked into Marshall Department Store's main computer and stole thousands of credit card numbers. The ring members then traveled throughout Florida using these stolen credit card numbers to charge high-value merchandise at stores like WalMart.

They then sold the merchandise to "fences," or even more brazenly, returned the merchandise to WalMart stores for a cash refund. A WalMart clerk got suspicious and called store security, which contacted police. The ring members are now all serving long sentences in the slammer.

But the more important point is, if you've ever shopped at Marshall's you could have found yourself with credit card bills for many thousands of dollars of merchandise you never purchased. What a gigantic headache! True, you wouldn't be legally responsible for those fraudulent purchases. Nevertheless, your credit record would be quite a mess for a long time.

Clearly - notwithstanding some recent legislation - identity theft is the crime that's probably most likely to happen to you. It's simply too easy for crooks to get hold of credit card numbers and social security numbers these days. In this report I'll briefly discuss how identity theft happens, what to do if it happens to you, and also mention a few important self-protection measures.

Identity Theft Defined

Identity theft doesn't usually mean somebody steals your identity and then goes off to a faraway place and lives his/her life impersonating you and running up bills in your name. It could mean that, but that is extremely rare. Most commonly, it just means somebody runs up bills using your credit card or credit rating. Sometimes a lot of bills. There have even been cases of identity thieves taking out house mortgages under somebody else's name, and then flipping (re-selling) the house.

Two Types of Identity Thieves

There are two main types of identity thieves, namely identity theft rings and individual identity thieves.

Identity theft rings resemble little Mafias with a boss and a group of underlings who do the more risky tasks, such as setting up credit accounts and going into retail stores to purchase merchandise using fake credit cards. (Many rings actually manufacture valid-appearing credit cards, or hire specialists to do it for them.)

Typically identity theft rings use hit-and-run tactics, working in a fixed location for a few months then disappearing.

The other type of identity thief is the lone individual who is trying to upgrade his/her standard of living by credit card fraud. Usually, this type of identity thief will not make quite as much of a train-wreck of your credit standing as the identity theft ring. Even so you may find yourself spending many hours trying to fix it.

Needless to say, both types of identity thieves - the rings and the individuals - usually target high-income individuals. Anyone with an expensive car, home, or high-paying job is a more-likely target. Unfortunately, your social security number can be just about as easy to get these days as your phone number. All a crook needs is an account with an information broker online and your name and address. Then, given your social security number and a little additional information like your date of birth (which is also pretty easy to find online), the identity thief can set up all kinds of charge accounts in your name, arranging to have the bills sent to a phony address so that it will take longer for you to catch on to what's happening.

But not all identity theft stems from online information brokers giving out social security numbers. In fact experts say only a very small fraction of it does. Most often, thieves directly steal credit card numbers, like the ring that I mentioned above which operated in Florida. On a smaller scale, a thief working as a waiter or clerk may steal your credit card number or possibly your whole purse or wallet.

In any case, it can escalate from a major nuisance to a major crisis if the identity thief commits a crime while impersonating you, possibly by means of a fake driver's license or other forged document. Should he/she be charged and then fail to appear in court, you could find yourself under arrest and charged with the crime or other offense.

If It Happens To You

If you receive bills for merchandise/services you didn't buy, or get a call from a merchant complaining about a bill you didn't pay for something you didn't order, you're very probably facing identity theft. Here's the process you should follow. Note: You might also wish to read the FTC's webpage (ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft) on this topic.

First, get as much information as you can from the merchant, such as when the purchase took place, type of credit used (credit line or credit card), account number, monetary amount, where the bills were sent, and if a credit application was filled out (if so, get a copy of it). Explain to the merchant that you've been a victim of identity theft - always use that term, "identity theft" - and request that he not report the bill to the credit bureau in your name.

Second, contact one of the three major credit bureaus and tell them to put a fraud alert on your credit reports. This prevents the identity thief from opening more accounts in your name. You only need to contact one of the three credit bureaus to place the alert, since whichever one you notify will then alert the other two as well. The credit bureaus are:

Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289
Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
Experian: 1-888-387-3742

Have the credit bureau representative send you a copy of your credit report (this should be free). Then study it carefully and look for fraudulent charges. Close all accounts you think have been tampered with and write a letter to those merchants explaining that you have been a victim of identity theft. (Note: don't mail the letters yet. You should enclose a copy of your police report; see below.)

Third, take your credit report to your local police department and file a formal police report. Always keep this report with you in the event you ever find yourself charged with a crime committed by the identity thief. Incidentally, your local police department tells you they don't accept reports for identity theft tell them you wish to file a "Miscellaneous Incidents" report. As an alternative you can file your report with the State Police.

Fourth, visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and inform them that you have been a victim of identity theft. Request a new drivers license with a new drivers license number.

Fifth, try to find out if there are any currently pending criminal or civil actions against you. I suggest using online service US Search.com as a quick, reliable source for this type of information. If you do find court judgments against you should then write a letter to the court explaining that you have been a victim of an identity thief (enclosing a copy of your police report) and ask that the judgment be vacated.

Sixth, contact the U.S. Department of State (again, including a copy of your police report) and ask that they confirm that a passport has not been recently issued in your name. If one has, ask that it be canceled immediately. The address to write to is:

U.S. State Department Attn: Passport Services
1111 19th St., NW, Suite. 500
Washington DC 20522

Preventing Identity Theft

A hundred percent identity theft prevention doesn't exist. There's no surefire way to completely protect yourself against identity theft - but there are some things you can do to make it less likely you'll be targeted.

1. Take steps to make your social security number a little harder for identity thieves to obtain. As said, identity thieves can easily obtain your SSN if they know your name and address. So why not make it harder for them to get your address in the first place? You can do this by using a post office box number on all credit applications and other types of forms which will become public information, such as registration records.

2. Try to keep your telephone number out of general circulation. Why? Because once somebody knows your telephone number, they can use a "reverse directory" on the Internet to easily obtain your home address.

3. Always use personal checks only for by-mail bill paying, never for day-to-day, in-person purchases. Your personal checks contain identifying information about your bank account plus your personal signature. So it's much safer to use a credit card or debit card.

4. Get your name removed from "pre-screening" programs (marketing services offered by the three credit bureaus). Whenever you get a credit card offer in the mail, it's because your name and address appeared on a pre-screening list, which contains only credit-worthy individuals. But these lists are commonly used by identity theft rings to target potential victims. To get removed from such lists of all major credit bureaus, call 888-567-8688 and inform the clerk that you wish to be removed from all pre-screening programs.

Joseph Ryan is editor of Web Search Guides ([http://www.websearchguides.com])

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Preventing-Identity-Theft&id=1512031] Preventing Identity Theft

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simple steps you can take to prevent online identity theft

What You Can Do To Prevent Identity Theft
By Jon Arnold

The small steps you need to take to make yourself a less likely target for identity theft are a no-brainer tradeoff to the amount of personal time it will take you to straighten out the mess that will be present if you are a victim.  Follow these steps starting today and don't make yourself an easy target.
 

A one hundred percent foolproof method of preventing identity theft does not exist and probably never will.  But you absolutely need to take some safeguards that if nothing else, will not make you an easy target to becoming a victim of identity theft.  ID theft is not pleasant, and if it occurs to you, you will end up spending countless hours of time for months to get it corrected, possibly also including some respectable legal fees, not to mention the damage to your reputation and credit report, so while the safeguards may be inconvenient, they are well worth your time to implement.

Many people would think that some sort of email or computer-based solution is the best place to start, but in reality, a large percentage of identity theft is accomplished with nothing more than a watchful eye and some sticky fingers.  Identity theft has become an all too common problem in the last couple of years, and is said by multiple studies to be one of the fastest growing crimes of this decade. 

Be fully aware that identity theft is not limited to your Internet or surfing activities.  In fact, studies have shown that people who routinely use services like online banking and online bill paying services (from reputable sites) are actually found to be LESS likely targets for this, since people who use such services are more careful with their personal identification information than Joe Average.

Basically what happens is simply that someone gets some of your personal information, enough so that they can open accounts, get credit cards or loans, and open those accounts in your name, obviously without your knowledge of it.  Think about it, what information is required to open a department store credit card or apply for a Visa or Mastercard?  Name, address, phone number, social security number or drivers license number.  With people moving around today, with other information intact, many credit issuers will not have a problem with a new account application showing a different address and different phone number than what the credit bureau reports.  This is especially true because it is well known that credit bureau information is not very accurate, and in fact, the majority of consumers have ERRORS in their credit reports.

Keeping a close eye on your credit report should also be a part of your routine, making sure the information there is accurate, especially knowing that it probably is NOT accurate and will not get changed unless you initiate the change.  For more information about winning your disputes with the credit bureaus and improving your credit score, you may wish to visit [http://www.credit-help-center.com]Improving Your Credit Score for more detailed information.

So you only find out that you have become a victim of identity theft because some creditor that you have never heard of is calling you at work to ask when you intend to start making payments on your account.  What a rude surprise!

The moral of the story is to be extremely careful with your personal information.  This is particularly true of government issued identification numbers such as your driver's license number and your social security number.  How frequently do you get offers in the mail about being pre-approved for a new credit card?  If you are like most people, you probably get several of these every month.  What do you do with them?  Do you simply throw them in the trash, perhaps ripping them in half first?  Most people do exactly that, but the information is still very readily available to anyone who has the inclination to go through people's trash looking for exactly this type of information.  You will probably never get away from the junk mail, but for under $50, you can get a paper shredder at virtually any office supply store, and then put those offers through that shredder.

Anything you can do to safeguard your personal information makes it far less likely that you will become a target for identity theft.  When you think of the small investment in a shredder and the bit of extra time to ensure that you properly dispose of such information, compared against the MONTHS of personal time required to straighten out a mess if you are a victim, the tradeoff is more than worth it.

Jon is a computer engineer who maintains web sites on a variety of topics based on his knowledge and experience. You can read more about Preventing Identity Theft at his web site at Prevent Identity Theft [http://www.identity-theft-info.com/].

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?What-You-Can-Do-To-Prevent-Identity-Theft&id=457302] What You Can Do To Prevent Identity Theft

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whta you need to know about preventing online identity theft

Preventing Identity Theft - What You Need to Know
By Colin McDougall

Identity theft is one of the fast growing crimes in America today. It is difficult to catch identity thieves since they are lurking everywhere. You must take action to protect yourself on a daily basis from this crime. Here we have provided you with tips to prevent yourself from becoming a victim.

The following scenerio happens to millions every year. You have built up years worth of good credit history and you are shocked when you receive a call from a credit card company demanding that you pay past due accounts for purchases you didn't make.

You argue that it wasn't you but to no avail, your credit rating is damaged and it can take you years to get it back into good standing. This is the reality of the victims of identity theft.

Identity theft is a growing problem for both financial institutions and consumers alike. There are two types of identity theft; the first type occurs when a thief manages to acquire your SSN number and other pertinent information and actually opens up new accounts registered in your name. This type of theft is the more difficult one to detect as statements from the fraudulent accounts are mailed to the impostor and not you.

The second type of theft occurs when a thief gets a hold of you account information and empties as much of your money from your bank accounts as they can and rack up your credit cards as fast as they can before you find out. This type of theft is usually detected by the victim when they receive and review their monthly bank and credit card statements.

Although there is no way to prevent identity theft there are steps that you can take to make yourself less vulnerable to such attacks.

Protect access to personal Information

1. Do not carry your SSN card in your wallet unless you need it that day.

2. Do not carry any ID such as your birth certificate or passport unless it is required to do so that day.

3. Do not carry extra credit cards that you rarely use.

4. Contact credit-reporting bureaus and remove your name from their marking call lists. This will reduce the number of pre approved credit offerings that you will receive. Thieves intercept these cards in the mail, and activate them.

Restrict The Use of Your Social Security Number

Your Social Security number (SSN) should be guarded at all times. If a thief obtains this number they would gain access to all of your banking and credit card information.

1. Be wary of application forms that require your SSN. Ask if you can provide alternate information such as your driver's licence number. Find out what their policy is on guarding the information that they are requesting. If possible ask to speak with someone in charge and discuss your concerns with releasing your SSN. If they don't answer your questions to your satisfaction then avoid doing business with them.

2. Avoid carrying your SSN card with you in your wallet. Take it out of safe keeping only when you know that you are going to need it that day.

3. When using checks to make a purchase or when cashing a check do let the merchant write your SSN on the check. Once the check is out of your site anyone can copy it.

4. If possible it is best that you commit your SSN to memory.

5. Do not have your driver licence number or SSN printed on your checks.

Creating and Protecting Pins and Passwords

1. Most people use their mother's maiden name a pet's name their birth date or consecutive numbers when creating personal identification numbers (PINS). This is a common mistake as thieves are schooled in the art of finding out such information about their victims.

2. Use the first letters of the names of your favorite songs or the first initials of your favorite high school teachers, something that is easy to remember but difficult for someone to anticipate.

3. Commit your PIN number to memory. If your purse or wallet is stolen thieves are sure to find it if you have it written down inside somewhere.

4. Be sure to cover the ATM keypad with your hand to prevent someone from looking over your shoulder and prevent video cameras from being able to record your PIN.

Protecting your Credit Card Numbers

1. Never leave your credit card receipts at a business, always take them with you. Be sure to place them in your pocket or in your purse or wallet. Don't leave them in the bag and make sure they don't go into a public garbage container.

2. Keep a watchful eye on how a teller swipes your credit card. Be sure that it isn't swipe on two separate processing machines. Thieves pay dishonest store clerks to record customer credit card information on skimming machines.

3. Don't carry more credit cards than you require for that day's worth of transactions.

4. Make photocopies of you credit cards in a safe place in your home. If your credit cards are stolen you can quickly and report the numbers to the credit card companies.

5. If you are expecting a new credit card in the mail be sure to notify the credit card company if it is late arriving to you.

6. Monitor your monthly statements for any unrecognized purchases.

7. At least once year obtain a copy of your credit report.

8. Shred all credit card statements before disposing of them in your household garbage. Thieves can gain access to your garbage at the curb or at the dump.

Internet Safety

1. Only use websites that provide secure transaction protection.

2. Beware of phoney websites also known as "phishing sites" they will look as if they are from your bank or other legitimate sites such as ebay. They will send you an email requesting that you respond to them.

3. Make sure that you install a firewall to prevent intruders from entering your hard drive and stealing your credit information.

4. Make sure that you have virus protection and keep it updated to keep your information safe from be sent out in a corrupt email program.

5. When disposing of an old computer use a program specifically designed to remove all of your old files. Deleting them will not be good enough to remove them from your hard drive.

Colin McDougall is the editor in chief for the website [http://www.crediteria.com/]Crediteria.com. The site is devoted to helping consumers with all financial matters including the prevention of identity theft. Idenitity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the country and you need to ensure you protect yourself starting today.

Read our review of an identity theft prevention service, Lifelock [http://www.crediteria.com/IdentityTheft/LifeLock.htm], that millions of Americans use everyday to protect their good name.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Preventing-Identity-Theft---What-You-Need-to-Know&id=957540] Preventing Identity Theft - What You Need to Know

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Ways to Prevent Identity Theft by Credit Card
By Travis Stone

One of the greatest fears that many people have is that they'll become a victim of identity theft. Most people just have the "oh, well, it won't happen to me" attitude. For 1 out of every 5 people, that's the wrong attitude to take. Which one of those five are you? The most common type of identity theft is credit card fraud, usually through account takeover. In this type of crime, the thief gains access to a credit card and then, quite simply, starts making purchases with it.   

What makes this type of fraud an identity theft is that often the perpetrator will call the credit card company, bank, etc. and attempt to gain more information about the account's owners using a technique called "fishing."   With this technique, which is old hat among private investigators, the thief poses as the account's owner and attempts to change the account information, upgrade the account for more credit, make a cash withdrawal, or otherwise manipulate the account. With enough information, many thieves can use one account to get into several more. A debit card could lend access to checking, savings, and even mortgage accounts through the bank.  

Most banks and institutions have safeguards in place to prevent this total takeover of one of their customer's accounts, but the best prevention is to stop the thief before he can attack to begin with. To do that, you need to follow these 10 ways to prevent identity theft by credit card. Most of them are easy, no-nonsense security measures that you likely already take everyday as a part of your lifestyle. Others are just small habits you need to practice to ensure your credit's safety. 

#1: Carry Fewer Cards

Sounds pretty simple, but it's amazing how many people walk around with five, ten, or more credit and debit cards in their wallets. This is excessive and is tantamount to wearing five pounds of gold and diamond jewelry. Eventually, someone will decide to mug you. The more cards you're carrying, the easier it will be for a thief to take over your identity and fleece you for all the money they can. Reduce the number of cards that you carry to two. If at all possible, do not use a debit card at all as they're the easiest to use by thieves to get cash quickly and easily. 

#2: Watch Your Card

When you use your card at a store or restaurant where it's handed to an employee or waiter to process for you, keep your eye on the card at all times. Never let the employee walk away with your card and then come back later. It's not as uncommon as people might think for people like this to take advantage of their situation to copy card information or do a "false swipe" into a reader to record the information for later retrieval.  

#3: Never Use a Debit Card Online

When you shop online, never use a debit card attached to your bank account. No matter where your shopping is taking place, debit cards are the primary target of thieves. Instead, use a closed account like a pre-paid card, a credit card (they're better protected), etc. Companies like PayPal and others that offer cards that are separate from your checking account are popular choices.  

#4: Keep A List of Cards

Keep a detailed list or photocopy of all of your cards (front and back). Know the account numbers, expirations, phone numbers for reporting, etc. Keep this list is a very safe and secure place in your home or bank. If your wallet is stolen, your house robbed, or you otherwise have one or more cards stolen, this list could mean the difference between a few minutes to report the theft and a few hours while you find the information and the thief goes on a shopping spree... on you.  

#5: Keep Your Social Security Number To Yourself

Don't ever give out your Social Security or account numbers on the phone or through the mail if you aren't 100% sure that the person you're talking to and the business they represent is legitimate. When in doubt, don't give it out! If a business calls you, say the utility company, and asks for personal information for identification, tell them you'll call them back. Use the phone number in the phone book or printed on one of your bills to call them-not a number the person on the phone gave you. This verifies that the person is who they say they are and eliminates "fishing." 

#6: Keep Your Receipts

When you make purchases by credit or debit card, keep your receipt. Do not throw it away in a public trash container or even in your home garbage can without first marking out the account number or shredding the receipt. Most stores now print only the last four or five digits of your account to protect the information, but you only know if they did when you look to see that they did!  

#7: Do Not Write Numbers on Checks

When paying bills, DO NOT write your credit card (account number) on a check when paying the bill. If the check falls into the wrong hands, a thief now has two ways to take advantage of you (check plus card). Checks preprinted with your driver's license number are also a bad idea.  

#8: Watch the Mail

When a new card or fresh checks are coming, make sure you know when they're expected and are there to receive them. Better yet, have them sent to a secure box like a PO box or similar. 

#9: Read Your Account Statements

Read your account statements thoroughly and every time they come to you. Some thieves (especially online) will steal a card number, use it once, and then forget it. This results in the much lower likelihood of them being caught. Many of the frauds never even get noticed as account holders often look only at the "total owed" line on the account and don't read through line items. 

#10: Order a Credit Report

Order a credit report from the three bureaus yearly (at least). They are required by law to give you one free report per year, so take advantage of it. Read through it and make sure that there are no credit accounts you are unaware of, no claims on your file that you didn't authorize, etc.

Hopefully, these ten ways to prevent identity theft will help you keep yourself and your credit safe. They are simple things that require little effort on your part, but can greatly impact your chances of being targeted for identity theft.

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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?10-Ways-to-Prevent-Identity-Theft-by-Credit-Card&id=2107258] 10 Ways to Prevent Identity Theft by Credit Card

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Online tips for preventing Identity theft

How to Prevent Identity Theft - Some Tips
By Sonali Bose Sengupta

Your identity is one of the most important personal possessions that you have. You may not realize or even be aware of it, but protecting your identity from unscrupulous identity thieves should be the top priority for you. More than 10 million Americans fall prey to identity theft annually, and by the time they realize it, they lose a lot of money and their credit standing, not to mention the hassle, shock and bother that go with it.


Identity thieves are on the prowl to get hold of various kinds of personal information like the Social Security numbers, bank account or email id passwords and a host of other data that could be of use to them in a plethora of fraudulent ways. Prevention is better than cure. Being armed with information and taking precautionary measures is a sign of prudence.


Here are a few tips to help you prevent identity theft:


·Social Security Number: Preserving your social security number is of prime importance as it is the primary source for your credit report. If this gets into the hands of identity thieves, they can use it to open and operate accounts under your name with disastrous consequences for you. Be careful never to leave your social security card carelessly about. It's better not to take it out in your wallet each time you go out, unless it is absolutely necessary. Storing it under lock and key or in a safe deposit box is actually a great idea.


·Online Transactions and Passwords: A lot of transactions, including banking transactions, are conducted by individuals online nowadays. Whether it is making a payment online, booking airline and travel tickets or making online purchases, online transaction modules have brought in great convenience and flexibility for consumers. However, indiscreet and careless use of online transaction portals is a huge source of identity theft. 'Phishing' is an online phenomenon where online fraudsters ask for your personal information, user ids and passwords, posing as genuine online portals. Once you part with this information, the mischief begins. To prevent these:


o Be careful not to click on pop-up ads and spam mails.


o Use firewalls, anti-virus and anti-spyware to secure online transactions.


o Ensure that online transactions are logged out of and any online shopping is done through secure and genuine vendors only.


o Hold information on your ids and passwords very close to your heart. Do not use your name or birth date as passwords as these can be easily hacked into. Make passwords a little complex, using alphanumeric characters. Never keep PIN numbers strewn about your house carelessly.


o Do not pass on sensitive information related to your ids and passwords even to your family members or close friends unless it's critically vital.


·Mailboxes: While it's best to have a dedicated post office box, it may not always be feasible. If you have an ordinary mailbox, remove mail and documents regularly. All personal mails with PINs, Social Security numbers or passwords must be shred finely and disposed of carefully so that identity thieves may not get hold of it. When you are away, ask the post office to hold your mail.


·Credit Cards: Be very careful about user ids and passwords or PINs. Any document with credit card PIN information must be finely shred and discarded. Also, ask for and scan credit reports regularly to detect any misuse or fraud. In any case, the moment you suspect any foul play involving your credit card, ask the issuing authority to freeze the credit or put it on a fraud alert. This will prevent any wrong use of the card. If the statements are delayed, check the same because the thieves may have altered the address.


·Personal belongings: When you are required to carry your wallet or handbag with the social security number or credit cards, be extra careful that your pocket is not picked or your wallet is not lost. Not everyone who picks up your wallet or handbag may have enough integrity to return it. So if it gets into wrong hands, your liability will not be limited only to the money you had in the wallet or handbag.


·Phone calls: Beware of crooks who may call you under assumed identities asking you for information pertaining to your identity. So not give out your credit information carelessly.


·Charities: Genuine charity organizations will provide you brochures and information. So, you need not worry about any information that you provide. Be wary of charities with suspect credentials that ask you for some identity related information.


·Identity Coverage: You can consider identity theft coverage programs like Identity Guard or Lifelock to help protect your identity and prevent hassles and bother in case your identity information security is ever compromised.


Preserving your identity is not only important, but also critical. You just cannot let your identity security and confidentiality be compromised. A few precautions as mentioned here could go a long way in preventing identity theft. Be safe, be secure!

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Prevent-Identity-Theft---Some-Tips&id=2253218] How to Prevent Identity Theft - Some Tips

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