Prevent Identity Theft
About a year ago a thief broke into our house and went through our financial files. Checks were stolen, so we knew our checking account was in danger, but we also knew that all of our accounts were vulnerable. We immediately closed all of our accounts: credit cards, savings and checking accounts, retirement accounts, kids’ college 529 accounts. We needed a game plan that would protect our assets and our identity. We did a lot of research and came up with a plan. Here’s a list of things you can do to protect yourself and your family from identity theft.
1. Destroy account statements and other financial documents instead of throwing them in the trash. Thieves can get an amazing amount of information about people from their garbage cans. They can get account numbers, birthdates, social security numbers, credit card applications, and even checks they can use to access your credit. Shred all these documents before you throw them away or you risk identity theft through your trash.
2. Freeze your credit. With a simple letter to the credit reporting agencies, you can freeze your credit, meaning no one can open an account in your name unless several safety precautions are taken. This can be inconvenient because you won’t be able to instantly open a credit account; however, these safety precautions can save you a lot of money and headache in the long run. And freezing your credit doesn’t cost you a dime.
3. Get a locking mailbox. Mail theft is on the rise because thieves know they can get a lot of information about you through your mail. Also, never put bills in your mailbox for your mail carrier to pick up. That little red flag that alerts the mail carrier to pick up your mail will also alert thieves that your information is available for the taking. Instead, drop your bills in a big blue mailbox with daily pickup.
4. Thoroughly check all bank statements and credit card statements for errors. Balancing your checkbook every month can be a hassle, but if you don’t you could miss charges racked up by thieves.
5. Don’t carry more in your wallet than you need. Don’t carry checks in your wallet, and carry as few cards as possible. With your driver’s license, a couple of credit cards, and a checkbook, a thief has a lot of access to you. Carry the bare minimum.
6. Opt out of internet searches. Once the thief had been in our house and been through our files, we wanted to know how much information he had about us. We did a few searches on the internet and found that with just our names and address, he could find out our birthdates and even all the places we’ve lived. This is great information for thieves to have if they want to take out loans in someone else’s name. Contact sites like www.peoplefinder.com and www.zabasearch.com, and ask them to remove your information from their databases.
7. Be careful with PINs. When you’re at an ATM or bank walk-up station, be careful with your PIN number. Be aware of the people around you, and be discreet with your information.
8. Be careful with your social security number. Your social security number is coveted by identity thieves because it can unlock many doors for them. Never give your social security number over the phone, even if you think you’re talking with a reputable company. For that matter, make a personal policy to not give personal information over the phone. A reputable company will work with you on this matter.