The proliferation of technology in society has created many benefits for citizens. However, it has also benefited criminals and made it easier for them to steal identities. The purpose of this article is to provide you with some tips in ensuring the security of your information.

They are:

1. Destroy, or safely store bank or credit card statements- The first step for an identity theft criminal is often to try and get hold of a bank or credit card statement. This gives them access to many details that can start a criminal on their path to stealing your identity. Ensure these statements are safely stored, and when you are finished with them, make sure they are properly destroyed.

2. Secure your mailbox- Empty your mailbox daily, and if you are away, make sure you organize someone to empty it for you. You should also ensure your mailbox is secured with a padlock so your mail cannot be stoled during the day whilst you are at work.

3. Ensure the safety of your social security number- memorise your number so you don’t have to carry your card on you. Don’t write it down unless you have to. Your social security number is what identity thieves are really aiming for because it can enable access to your credit report and bank accounts.

4. Avoid a paper trail- Never leave ATM, credit card or gas station receipts behind. These receipts can contain information like credit card numbers which can be used by identity thieves.

5. Always keep your credit card in sight- if you let your credit card out of site, you may be susceptible to skimming, whereby your card may be swiped twice, or your card details stolen. You should also consider paying with cash.

6. Regularly check your credit report- you should regularly obtain a copy of your credit report, at least annually. You need to do this so you can report suspicious activity in a timely manner and avoid issues.

7. Protect your personal information- Make sure that salespeople who ask for information
actually require that information. For companies such as insurance companies who do require your social security number, make sure they have an adequate privacy policy.

8. Check Credit Card Statements- Check all statements carefully. If you do not recognize a merchant on your statement, question it.

If you follow these tips, your information should be kept safe, and you can ensure your identity is not stolen.   If you feel that this is so much for you to do, you may want to use an identity theft protection company such as LifeLock to do the job for you.  You can learn more about LifeLock and its services here.  If your identity is stolen, your life can be ruined and much of your time wasted trying to clear your name so if you spend a little time following the tips mentioned above it is most definitely worth it. 

This entry was posted on Saturday, July 28th, 2007 at 7:38 am and is filed under Identity Theft, LifeLock. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.