This is a straightforward article.
I will tell you how you can prevent yourself from being a victim of identity theft.
Here's how: 1.
Protect your checks.
You can protect yourself from identity theft if you take enough necessary precaution.
First of all, if you have your checks printed, employ very basic security measures.
For instance, when you order printed checks, use only your initial and last name.
Also, tell your bank that you will pick it up personally so that it does not have to sit on your mailbox.
You also have to remember that banks keep a record of your signature in the form of a picture.
Of course, the criminal will not be able to know how to sign your name so even if they have the check, they cannot withdraw from it because the bank can verify the check versus the actual signature on the signed check.
Recent advancements in technology can allow unscrupulous individuals to gain access to this information.
2.
Other than what required information like your full name, do not print any other personal information on your checks.
This may be convenient for you but it will also be convenient for the identity thieves to gain access to your financial resources.
3.
If you can afford it, get a PO Box.
Mails that sit on your inbox are vulnerable to identity thieves.
Pre-approved credit card offers, bank statements and credit card statements are being stolen by identity thieves as these correspondences contain valuable information that they can use to gain access to your financial resources.
4.
You also have to secure your credit cards as these are also very prone to financial fraud.
Do not write your entire credit card number when you pay your bills.
As much as possible, write only the last four digits in the envelope so that if anyone intercepts it, they will not get your credit card number.
5.
Do not put your social security card in your wallet.
This in one piece of information can totally ruin your life.
It would be best to simply memorize your social security number and store the card somewhere safe.
If you have a bank vault, put it there.
6.
Foolproof your PIN numbers and passwords.
As much as possible, use a combination of letters and alphanumeric characters for passwords.
If wild characters are allowed, use them as well.
However, you should not use one password for all your accounts as this would make your other accounts vulnerable when your password is cracked.
Avoid writing down your PIN codes and passwords at the back of your cards.
If you need to write them, store them in two separate places.
Also with passwords, avoid using your birthday, your mother's maiden name, a combination of your husband or wife's name with yours, your kid's name and anything else significant in your life.
This can be easily guessed.
7.
Buy yourself a shredder.
Your trash can be scoured by identity thieves and whatever you threw can contain valuable information about yourself.