Identy Theft Prevention 101
December 21, 2007 by kellys
Filed under financial matters, odds and ends
My purse was stolen right before I was to fly out to see my family for the holidays. UUGGHH!! Things like that only happen to me. Now I have to worry about identity theft. Luckily I din’t have any credit cards in my purse, just a debit card and a bank card. But I did have 2 check books in it so I have had to close out 2 accounts and redo all the online banking from those accounts. It’s a huge ordeal. Luckily, I had a valid passport so that I could get onto the plane since my driver’s license was taken as well. So here are a few ways to avoid identity theft so that you don’t have to stress like I do.
- Carry only the bare necessities in your wallet in case it is stolen.
- Do not carry your social security cards. A driver’s license should be all you need for most things.
- Shred any financial offers that you get in the mail since someone can get your info and then dig through your trash to get an offer approved.
- Do not put your social security number on your driver’s license if you don’t have to.
- DO NOT give out any personal information out over the phone unless you are absolutely sure as to whom you are talking to.
- Do not apply for any credit cards over the phone.
- Use only secure sites for ordering anything online.
- Use only sites you are familiar with unless you can talk to someone first.
- Use common sense.
- LOCK YOUR DOORS!
Be careful as you only get one identity and it is a huge mess to clean up. Don’t forget to monitor your credit on a routine basis.
LRN
Wow. I am so sorry your stuff was stolen! I work for a very large Credit Card company and hear stories all day and my heart just goes out to you. I totally love your list of suggestions. I hope you have a great holiday non the less ! XO
Thanks, Chris. I needed that.