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8 Steps That Can Help You Protect Your Personal Identity And Financial
Information From Fraud
By: Jay Fran
Financial fraud and identity fraud are one of the fasted growing forms of fraud.
The first line of defense to protecting yourself begins with you. Here are some
steps you can take to help you protect and fight against financial and identity
fraud.
1. Review and Protect Your Information - The first line of defense in financial
fraud is to periodically check your credit report to ensure all your information
is accurate. Remember there are three credit agencies (Equifax, TransUnion,
Experian) which all operate independently. Make sure you check your credit
report from all three because they may each have different information.
2. Social Security Number – Keep your social security number in a safe place
with other financial documents. DO NOT carry your social security card in your
wallet and remember to shred your old social security statements. It is also
recommended to not store your social security number on your computer as hackers
may have access to it. Never print your social security number on your checks,
credit card or drivers licenses.
3. Destroy Credit Card Mail Offers and Old Financial Documents -If you receive
direct or pre-approved solicitations in the mail for new credit cards and do not
use them make sure you shred or tear them up before throwing them away. In
addition, shred all financial papers including cancelled checks, old bank
account statements, or any document with your identity.
4. Watch Out For E-mail or Telephone Fraudsters - Never give your personal or
financial information out on the internet or phone unless you initiated the
contact. This is especially true with giving out your social security or credit
card number. Watch out for e-mails from fraudsters that state they need your
account information or credit card number to update your account with your bank
or an online company like e-bay. Never give out personal information over
e-mail! Many times these e-mails will have links for you to click on that take
you to a website that looks authentic. However more times than not, it is a scam
to get your personal and financial information.
5. Monthly Bills – If your monthly bills stop arriving, take action quickly.
Notify the company right away. Also, review your monthly statements promptly and
if you see charges or items on your bills that you do not recognize get them
resolved immediately.
6. Incoming / Outgoing Mail - Pick up incoming mail promptly and do not send
outgoing mail in your residential mail box. Make every effort to keep your mail
as securely as possible when it leaves your house.
7. Age Matters - If you are over the age of 50 you are more likely to be
targeted for financial fraud. Therefore, keep this in the back of your mind as
you handle your daily tasks and personal information.
8. Credit Cards / ATMs - Report lost or stolen credit cards and ATM cards
immediately. Be sure to carry the 1-800 numbers of your bank and credit card
company in your wallet.
Most analysts forecast financial fraud and identity thief to cause financial
loss to hundreds of thousands people in the next five years and beyond. While
fraudsters are very slick and you can never be 100% safe the steps above can
assist in you significantly deterring yourself and family from being a victim.
About the Author:
Jay Fran is a successful author and publisher at Motorcycle-Financing-Guide.com,
a national resource to compare motorcycle lenders. Copyright (c) 2005, by Jay
Fran. This article may be freely published as long as the author's information,
copyright information and the following active live link is published with the
article. http://www.motorcycle-financing-guide.com/motorcycle-lenders.html
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