Six Tips That Will Help Prevent Identity Theft

Your identity is one of the most important things that you have. It helps you get credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, jobs and so much more. But what happens when someone gets a hold of your identity? They can run up your credit, destroy your FICO score and even commit crimes in your name. That’s why it is so important to safeguard your personal identity. Here are some tips that will help prevent identity theft so you can keep yours intact.
 

Never Carry Your Social Security Card

It is almost never necessary to carry around your social security card in your wallet or purse. You may need it every once in awhile at the DMV or when you are applying for a job, but you should leave it at home all the other times. If someone steals your purse or wallet, they will have your Social Security card and that makes it very easy to get credit cards and loans in your name. Take your Social Security card out of your purse or wallet today and only take it with you when it is absolutely necessary.

Do Not Depend on Guarantees

Many companies will guarantee that they will prevent identity theft or your money back. While this may sound comforting, it does not mean that you should just sit back and let that company do all the work. Preventing identity theft depends partly on you as well. Many instance of identity fraud can be fixed and you can have your name or credit restored to its pre-theft standing. However, there are some things that cannot be fixed. For instance, if someone steals your identity and does something to get you on the “no fly list,” there really is nothing you can do to get off of that list regardless of what company you have working for you to prevent identity theft. It’s great to hire one of these companies, but you still have to safeguard your name and critical information as best you can.

Clean Out Your Computer

Donating your old computer or laptop is a great way to help someone who is less fortunate while getting a good tax deduction at the same time. However, if you do not wipe it out before donating it, you could be giving your sensitive personal information out to the person who gets your computer. There are companies that will wipe out your hard drive and delete all of the information on it before you give it away. If you plan on just tossing the computer, physically remove the hard drive and destroy it with a hammer before tossing it in the trash to prevent anyone from recovering the information on it.

Avoid Secure Sites on Public Computers

If you are using a wireless hotspot or network, never go to a secure site. The types of websites you should avoid include your bank account, DMV or any other website that requires you to enter personal information. This is also true of public computers, such as the ones at the library or an Internet café. Also, never check the “Remember Me” box on secure websites as this makes it much easier for hackers and savvy computer users to follow your trail and find your sensitive and secure information.

Photocopy the Contents of Your Wallet

Many people have their purse or wallet stolen each year. Unfortunately, they do not remember the contents of those objects after they are stolen. The victim is left wondering which credit cards were in there and many other pieces of information. Make a photocopy of your driver’s license, credit cards and any other personal information you keep in your wallet and keep the photocopy in a safe place at home. If you get your wallet or purse stolen, you can immediately alert the necessary card companies, DMV and other places to report the theft. The faster you can do this, the less chance the thief has to steal your identity and run up the balance on your credit cards.

Shred Your Important Papers

Shredding your bank account statements, credit card statements and other personal information is essential to helping prevent identity theft. You would be surprised how many thieves get all the information they need simply by going through a person’s trash that is sitting out on the curb. A criss-cross shredder is ideal because it shreds papers both horizontally and vertically. However, simply shredding with a normal shredder will deter many thieves from going through your trash to find personal information.

Preventing identity theft is often just a matter of common sense and taking some extra time to dispose of documents with your personal information. Although it is almost impossible to completely prevent your identity from getting stolen, it is possible to deter identity thieves from targeting you. Follow the steps above and you will not be an easy target any longer.