Tips for Protecting Your Identity

Written by Brett Bruce

You can’t assume that your identity is safe in the age of technology. Instead, you need to implement some simple strategies that will help to prevent problems with identity theft. Thieves can use your personal information such as your social security number, driver’s license, or bank account information to harm your good name.

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Try some of these tips to keep your identity safe.

• Always keep your credit card receipts – don’t leave them behind at a store or restaurant. These often contain valuable information such as your credit card number and expiration date that can be used by someone else.
• Sign the back of your credit card. Don’t wait to do this –someone else could get to it first and sign it. This makes it look like it’s really their card.
• Check your credit reports from all of the bureaus every six months. This will give you a heads up if there’s any unusual activity.
• Shred your documents with a cross cut shredder. This will make it difficult for anyone to put the document back together to glean your personal information.
• Don’t give out personal information unless it’s absolutely necessary. Never give personal information to a telemarketer or in response to a suspicious email. The newest trend in email is to send you an email that looks legitimate. Always work to verify it is legitimate and report it if it’s not. If you can’t tell, call the company directly and find out if they’re the ones who sent it to you.
• When you order checks, don’t add your driver’s license or social security number printed on them. This is asking someone to steal your information.
• Don’t put your home phone number on your checks. Instead, opt for your work phone number.
• Put a password on your accounts – such as your bank account and credit cards – so that no one else will be able to use them who doesn’t have the password.
• Make sure that personal information is protected even inside your home. It should be kept somewhere that is locked. This way visitors or intruders to your home won’t have access to it.

In general, you just need to use your common sense. Don’t leave personal information where anyone can find it. Do everything in your power to protect this asset. Once you’re identity is stolen, it’s very difficult to straighten it out.

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