What You Need to Know About Credit Cards and Identity Theft
Identity theft is starting to become
one of the most popular crimes in the United States.
Every year people have to struggle with the problems
that come when someone steals your identity. Identity
theft occurs when someone uses your personal information
without permission.
It can effect anyone, but with the use
of credit cards it is becoming more rampant. You can
become a victim by simply throwing away papers that
contain personal information, having your purse or
wallet stolen or lost, or through no fault of your
own. It is important to recognize how to prevent identify
theft and what you can do if you become a victim of
this crime.
Preventing identity theft involves some
work on your part. Credit cards are easily stolen
and easy for thief to use. The best ways to protect
yourself are as follows:
- assign passwords to your accounts
- avoid using easy to obtain information
as passwords or pass codes (like birth date, mothers
maiden name)
- Shred personal documents before throwing
out. This includes any credit card solicitations you
get in the mail. Someone could easily steal these
and assume your identity to get a new card.
- Do not give out personal information
to an unsolicited source.
- Do not carry your social security
card or birth certificate.
- Be safe with what information you
store on your computer.
Online hackers can access offline content.
- Monitor your credit reports with all
three major bureaus on a regular basis and report
anything suspicious.
These few simple ideas can go a long
way in helping you to avoid identity theft.
If you become a victim of identity theft
you must work fast to prevent further problems from
arising. Once you realize someone else is using your
identity you should contact the three major credit
bureaus and have them issue a fraud alert for your
record. You also need to cancel or freeze your accounts.
Then file complaints with both your
local police and the Federal trade commission. After
that you should be able to get help repairing any
damage done. It is very important that you pay attention
to your credit accounts for unusual activity because
catching identity theft early is important.
Identity theft can be devastating, but
if you follow some simple guidelines you should be
able to avoid it. If you do end up becoming a victim
act quickly and you should have minimal damage to
repair. Identity theft is a new crime.
In our age of technology it is becoming
easier to obtain other peoples personal information.
The bottom line is to keep your personal information
protected and keep an eye on your credit report.
Gunnar Berglund has been a "internet-
hardworker" for the last five years He publishes the
ebook "Identity Theft, What's It All About?" at http://www.creditcardandidentitytheft.com
