Untitled Document
PROTECT YOUR CREDIT IDENTITY!
"3.6 Million households discovered that at least one member had been the victim of identity theft during the previous 6 months" Department of Justice-Special Report - April 2006
Identity theft is the crime of obtaining the personal or financial information of another person for the
purpose of assuming that person's name to make transactions or purchases. It has become the most common crime in America and it happens every day to good, hard-working individuals all over the
country. |
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| It can happen to anyone, at anytime … and it can happen to you too! |
| The means by which identity thieves obtain an individual’s personal or financial information are so numerous that it is impossible to guard against them all and the possibility of becoming a victim always exists for everyone. But precautions can be taken to reduce the chances and safeguards set in place to minimize the effects in the event you become a victim of identity theft. |
Reduce the chances … DETER, DETECT, DEFEND! |
| Part one of the series will discuss what you can do to deter a thief. |
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| DETER – Deter identity thieves by safeguarding your information |
- Shred financial documents and paperwork with personal information!
All bills and account statements, credit card offers, and any other pieces of mail that contain your personal or financial information should be shredded and not just thrown in the trash.
- Protect your Social Security number!
Don’t carry your Social Security card in your wallet or write your Social Security number on a check. Give it out only if absolutely necessary or ask to use another identifier.
- Don’t give out your personal information!
Whether on the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet don’t reveal your personal information unless you know who you are dealing with. Check with the Better Business Bureau if you have questions about a company’s legitimacy.
- Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails!
If it is a company you know and have an existing relationship with, type the web address you know directly into your web browser. Use firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-virus software to protect your home computer. Keep them up-to-date to guard against the latest threats.
- Don’t use obvious passwords!
Common and simple passwords like your date of birth, your mother’s maiden name, or the last four digits of your Social Security number are too easy for a thief to guess.
- Keep your personal information in a secure place at home!
This is especially important if you have roommates, employ outside help, or are having work done in your home.
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Take your credit seriously! I can't tell you how many folks we know who just carelessly throw their personal statements out in the trash without shredding them. It stresses me out every time I hear or see someone doing that!
In the our next blog on this topic we will discuss how you can detect any suspicious activity that could be a sign of identity theft! |
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| Thanks for reading our blog!
Team Newington
First Priority Financial
Sacramento Mortgage Planner
Please visit our website at www.SuperiorLoanTeam.com!
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