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6 Ways You Can Stop Identity Theft In The Next 10 Minutes

By: Dr. Bryan Stoker

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This is that time of year when we all start getting those emails that want to Steal our secret codes and passwords. You know the ones that have subject lines like: Your account is about to be closed, there is a block on your account, could you help me claim my funds, transaction complete, or congratulations you have won the UK lottery.

This is the time of year when we are all shopping for gifts for family or customers, and the last thing we need is for our bank or credit cards account to be Locked out. That is exactly what ID thieves are counting on, and unfortunately some of us are tempted to follow the instructions They send via mail or email.

First of all, do not follow the instructions in Any suspicious-looking email. If you think there might be a problem, access the account in question as you normally Would on your PC and not with the link supplied in the phony email.

For example, in the last month or so, I received official-looking emails from PayPal stating my $100 order for XYZ product has been processed. The email looks exactly like a PayPal receipt with a PayPal return email address. However, when I looked at the To: Line of the email it was a generic email to PayPal customers. The email is obviously designed to make you panic while thinking I did not order anything. So, you immediately click the link in the email to log into the phishing site. Not all such emails have this mistake in it; some look like proper To: Line email addresses as well.
Do not fall for this. Condition your mind to identify suspicious things that do not look right. Open your browser and type in the legitimate web address directly in the browser to verify the Bogus order does not show up in your account history.

There are also some realistic-looking emails designed to look like they came from legitimate banks that even went so far as to copy the colors of the bank logo and stationery style. But, do not fall for this scam either. In fact, You should not even open the email, because many are just sent to inject a virus program into your computer when you open the email. Instead, forward the suspicious email to the spoof email address supplied by your bank or credit card company or simply delete it.

Nearly 10 million Americans fell prey to identity theft last year, costing businesses and individuals billions of dollars. Here are 6 simple techniques to help you prevent becoming their next victim:

1. Understand debit card Risks:
When it comes to fraud, debit cards carry much greater personal liability than credit cards, depending on how quickly you report the loss of the card. If you fail to report unauthorized use within 60 days of receiving your bank statements, you could lose all the money in the account and be held responsible for the amount of money that has been tapped from your line of credit.

2. Re-think check writing:
That little slip of paper has way too much information. Some experts advise against check writing altogether, because it gives away your address, bank account number, signature, and license number to complete strangers. Furthermore, there is no federal legislation to limit your liability for forged checks (each state has its own set of rules). Experts advise automated bill paying instead.

3. Secure your mail:
Your mailbox is a goldmine of information. Between bank statements, bills, and all those pre-approved credit card offers, your mailbox is loaded with personal data which identity thieves can use to easily apply for a credit card in your name. Unless you diligently check your credit report, you may never even know about it.

One way to avoid this is to have your mailbox under lock and key. Another solution is to rent a Post Office box. And be sure to destroy documents (anything with an account number on it) with a shredder before discarding them.
At the very least, drop your mail with checks or credit card payment information enclosed in a Post Office mailbox rather than leaving it in your home mailbox for the postman to pick up. Also, write all checks with non-erasable ballpoint pens. Another common form of ID theft is to swipe bill payments from residential mailboxes, wash the Payable To line and insert the assumed name of the thief instead.

4. Go virtual:
For shopping online, there are virtual card numbers. These are randomly generated credit card numbers that are disposable and that on-line shoppers use once and throw away. They are linked directly to your real credit card account so purchases show up on your monthly Invoice. The service is easy to use, and it is free. All you need to do is register with the credit card companies offering the virtual card (e.G., MBNA, Discover, and Citigroup).

5. Create an emergency identity kit:
Create an emergency kit that contains: Your account number, expiration date, issuing company name, and emergency contact number for each card you own. While you are at it, make copies of your driver license, social security card, birth certificate and passport and store them in a locked box, file cabinet, safe, or safe deposit box. I like the safe deposit box best, because this also gives you off-site protection in the event of a catastrophe such as fire, earthquake, etc.
6. Get a shredder.
Get a cross-cut shredder (not one of those single-cut shredders that just creates long-strings of paper strips), and make sure you shred at least any portion of any page that reveals an account number before you throw it in the trash.

This may all seem like a lot of unnecessary work, but if you are ever the victim of identity theft, even just once, you will realize that it is well worth the effort.

Article Source: http://depositarticles.com/

Dr. Bryan Stoker. Protect yourself from ID theft, computer viruses, scams, terrorism, poisoning, & even natural disasters with Safeguarding Your Family's Health, Wealth, & Happiness: How to Keep Your Loved Ones Safe; free for a limited time @ www.Autopilot101.Com/free/book_IDtheft/index.htm

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