Identity Theft Prevention - Simple Ways To Protect Your Information

By Jake M. Black

Identity theft prevention is very important as much of our private information is now kept online and many hackers are finding ways to access this information and then ruin your credit history or take your other important information. Shielding all of your private financial information is very important and there are steps you can take to prevent identity theft.

The most popular stolen information is social security numbers, phone calling cards, debit card information and credit card information. Criminals still use the old trided and true method of going through trash to collect documents that contain your personal information. However those with a lot of experience with computers can hack their way into your system to obtain your information.

To stop individuals from obtaining your personal information you need to destroy and personal statements that contain any of your financial information. This means that before you throw out the statements or recycle them you need to rip them up or shred them. Shredding is the best as the document cannot be reassembled afterwards.

You should never carry around your social security card but keep it locked up in a safe and fire proof place. Other cards that have your social security number should also be kept safe. It is also important to not leave any type of paper trail so make sure you either take all of your ATM, and receipts with you or don't request a receipt.

You only get one social security card and to keep this safe and protected it should be locked away in a fireproof place. You should never carry around your social security card. You also do not want to leave a paper trail and if you collect your ATM recipets, gas resipets etc. You need to destroy them or don't get a receipt.

Always keep your credit cards on you and don't let it out of your sight. If possible pay with cash when you can as any time you take your card out is the opportunity for someone to steal your number. Also make sure you know who is asking for your private and personal information. If someone calls from a bank make sure that their request is legitimate. If necessary you can contact the company yourself to ensure that they have requested that information.

You can significantly decrease the number of bogus requests your recieve over the phone by having your phone number put on a do not call list. It can also help to always be on the defensive and when individuals ask for your drivers license or social security number ask them if some other form of identification will do. Many times this information is not necessary.

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