Free Identity Theft Protection! Is This For You?

Free identity theft protection is not hard to do but requires some of your time. Identity theft is on the rise.

• Identity theft has become an epidemic, with id theft making someone a victim every few seconds.

• Becoming a victim of identity theft may cause you to lose the ability to get loans, credit cards and even basic services of television and phones.

  Protect yourself with free identity theft protection. You don’t necessarily need to have credit monitoring services in order to keep yourself safe from this viscous crime.

• One very scary reality is the fact you can even find yourself arrested because of id theft.

• If the thief does anything illegal (other than stealing your identity) while using your credit cards, social security number, etc you can be the one arrested and held responsible.

This can be a real nightmare while you try to clear your name and get your life back.

The How - To Of Free Identity Theft Protection

Following the tips below will help you keep your identity safe and away from criminals.

• Keep your personal information out of the hands of criminals by shredding everything. Never just throw your personal information in the trash. This is just asking to become a victim.

• Go to www.annualcreditreport.com and run your credit report from each of the 3 bureaus. You may choose to run 1 report from each agency every 4 months. By spacing this out you cover your bases better.

  If you run all three reports at the beginning of the year, this leaves the rest of the year open for something to happen. That would be harder to catch.

  The first of November, 2007, consumers in America were given the ability to limit access to their individual credit reports by all three credit reporting agencies.

  A credit agency puts a flag on your credit report called a fraud alert and may do a credit freeze. See an extended explanation at credit freeze for more.

  If a person tries to open credit in your name (such as a cell phone, house loan, credit card, or car loan) the creditor (not the bureau) is supposed to contact you and verify that this particular transaction is something that you want to take place.

  Your credit report can still be accessed by lenders.

• Be diligent in checking your credit card statements, bank statements, investment accounts, savings account, and any other statements you may have. This allows you to discover if someone is charging on your account.

  If you do your banking and pay your bills online, you have access to check your accounts more often, and on a more regular basis.

  Paying attention to your billing cycle will also help in keeping your identity safe. If you don’t receive your bills on time, you may be a victim of identity theft.

• Minimize your risk and guard your credit card receipts. You don’t want to allow someone easy access to your credit accounts.

• Carry only one credit card and very minimal personal information to reduce your loss if your wallet or purse is lost or stolen.

• Don’t use your unprotected curbside mailbox to mail your bills or other personal information. This is easy access to criminals that steal mail out of mailboxes.

• Do not leave your mail in your mailbox overnight or for long periods of time.

• Whenever you order new checks have them delivered to your bank. I know this can be inconvenient, but it is much safer.

• Your new checks have all the information a thief could want on them. Name, address, phone number, and account number. It is better to be safe than sorry and have a little inconvenience that saves you from becoming a victim.

• Minimize your exposure to identity theft by procuring information concerning security procedures that involve your business, workplace, doctor’s office and any other business that collect your personal information.

  Find out who has access to your information and how they dispose of it, and who the information is shared with, and verify if your information is secure.

  Using the tips in free identity theft protection will give you the tools you need to protect your identity.

• Don’t let your personal information fall into a criminal’s hand. Be especially careful who you give this type of information to. The less information given, the less chance you will become a victim.

• Be sure you don’t give your personal information in response to any e-mails.

• Always check for the lock in the right hand corner of your web browser window or the VeriSign. This ensures your personal information data is encrypted when it’s transmitted.

• Never give out your Social Security number. The only time you should be required to give this out is when you apply for a new loan, credit card or apply for a job.

• Always memorize your PIN numbers and passwords. Carrying these numbers on slips of paper in your purse or wallet is just begging for trouble.

• Stand in front of the ATM machine when using your card. Cover the keypad with one of your hands when typing in your password. I do this whenever I use one of my cards. If there are people hanging around and you don’t feel safe, don’t use the machine.

• It is best to opt out of receiving pre-approved credit card applications. Go to stop junk mail to learn more.

  Receiving less marketing calls and mail will lessen your risk of identity theft.

• If you feel you don’t want to monitor your own credit and accounts you can look into credit monitoring companies.

  I hope my tips for free identity theft protection will help you in your fight against identity theft happening to you.

  Knowledge is the key in protecting yourself from becoming a victim.

  
  
  

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