The pace of modern life often precludes taking the necessary precautions needed to protect ourselves. We jaywalk without a thought, we fail to stop fully at stop signs, we trash our financial statements without shredding them. This makes it very easy for criminal elements to gain access to information that can be used for anything — even to assume our whole financial identity. The picture is not pretty.
It is vital to know how to protect your family and your most crucial asset: your identity. The best defense against identity theft is to guard personal identification numbers such as social security and bank account numbers. The crime of identity theft can occur in seemingly secure places like a public phone booth or an ATM. Always ask for a written application or documentation to be mailed to you. If the caller is legitimate then he or she will usually comply. If not, hang up.
A key component to securing your identity and your finances is shredding any and all related documents before your discard them. At the very least, tear them up and make sure the pieces wind up in separate trash bags. Be sure to never put any sensitive information on any personal checks, like a driver’s license number or social security number. Remember, a personal check passes through many sets of hands and can be easily compromised.
A careful review of your bank statements and credit card statements is crucial. Vigilance is key, so be on the look for any unusual activity or purchases. If you suspect an unauthorized purchases or deductions, act at once. Notify you bank, credit card company, and the police. Let the Federal Trade Commission know immediately as they possess one of the most extensive financial tracking systems in the world.
Avoid being the next victim by educating yourself on identity theft. Identity theft is a crime and a increasing problem in the United States. It includes any number of fraudulent activities involving the assumption of another person’s name, social security number, or financial information. A simple slip, a moment’s distraction can cost your hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. Identity theft can happen to anyone, and it can be destructive to your financial future.
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