Identity Theft
It has been predicited that 1 out 8 people in the U.S will be the victim of identity theft within the next year. That is alarming. But there are precautions you can take. The Federal Citizen Information Center recommends the following 11 steps to protect you and your family.
1. " Put a security freeze on your credit report: A security freeze lets you stop theives from getting credit in your name by freezing access to your consumer credit report and credit score. When the consumer wants to get credit, he or she uses a PIN to unlock the file.
2. Check credit reports: Under federal law, everyone can obtain a free annual credit report from each of the three credit reporting agencies by visiting annualcreditreport.com. Also, request your medical information for free by calling toll free 1-866-692-6901
3. Opt out of information sharing. You have the right to opt out when companies want to share your personal information. Opt-out of receiving unsolicited emails at www.dmaconsumers.org/offemaillist.html. and mailing lists at www.dmaconsumers.org/cgi/offmailinglist. Stop receiving pre-approved credit offers call 1-888-567-8688
4. Use unpredicatable passwords: Avoid using mother's maiden name, your birth date, your child's name, your pet's name, the last four digits of your SSN or a series of consecutive numbers.
5. Secure personal information in your home, especially if you employ outside help or have work done in your home.
6. Protect your mail and trash. Deposit outgoing mail in a post office collection box rather than an unsecured mail box. Promptly remove mail from your mailbox. If you won't be home for an extended period, stop mail delivery. When ordering checks, request to pick them up at the bank instead of having them delivered to your mailbox. Tear or shred charge receipts, copies of credit applications, insurance forms, physician statements, checks, bank statements, expired credit cards and credit offers before putting in trash.
7. Carry only need identification cards and credit cards with you. LEAVE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY CARD AT HOME! Do the same with anything that contains personal information.
8. Keep your purse or wallet in a safe place at work, the same with all personal information.
9. Give out your SSN only when absolutely necessary. Never use the number as an I.D number.
10. Be cautious when responding to promotions: Identiy thieves may create phony promotions to trick you into giving them personal information. Never give out personal information unless you initiated the contact."
Last, but important --Identity theft insurance is available at a very low cost & it could be the best investment you ever made. We like the policy we found at www.zanderinsurance.com
We hope this article was helpful, please let us know.

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