How To Quickly Minimize Identity Theft In 6 Easy Steps

Identity theft is on the rampage 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These id stealing thieves have no respect for others and chances are, you or someone close to you will become a victim. Fortunately, there a few steps you can take to minimize or perhaps even prevent from having your identity stolen.

Below are listed 6 easy steps you can put into action today.

1. Next time you place a re-order on your checks, avoid having your first and last name put on them. Have only your initials imprinted on your checks.

Why?

Well, if your checkbook is ever stolen, the thief will have no clue as to how you sign your checks. The good news is, your bank will know.

2. Something else you may want to consider when you re-order your checks, is putting your work phone # instead of your home phone. If you have a PO Box available, use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a PO Box, use your work address. Obviously, never, ever have your SS# printed on your checks.

3. Avoid signing the the back of your credit cards. Instead, put "PHOTO ID REQUIRED"

4. When writing those joyous checks to your credit card company, AVOID writing the complete account number on the "For" line, or anywhere on the check. Instead, just put the last four numbers of the account. The credit card company knows and has that information already. Although most of us respect the "honor system", anyone during the check handling process might easily be tempted to stealing your credit card account numbers.

5. Make a photocopy of your entire wallet, and include both sides of each license, credit card, and ATM cards. By doing so, you will have a snap shot of your wallet's content and will have immediate access to all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call. Keep that photocopy in a safe place, preferably in a strong box or safe. It would also be a good idea to carry a photocopy of your passport when traveling, just in case you unknowingly become a victim of fraud, which usually happens when your name, address, Social Security number, or credit cards are stolen.

6. When staying in hotels that utilizes cards for keys, which most do, DO NOT turn the "keys" in. Instead, destroy them, as they contain all of the information you gave the hotel, including address and credit card numbers and expiration dates. Anyone with a card reader or magnetic swiper, can easily access all that information.

Hopefully you've found this article informative and educational. As a precaution, it is highly recommended that you have all your credit card toll free numbers handy so you know whom to call.

In fact, do this today!

If you ever become a victim of identity theft, be sure to file a police report immediately in the area of jurisdiction where your credit cards were stolen. Taking this pro-active step will prove to your credit providers that you were diligent. Also, keep the numbers to all three national credit reporting organizations close at hand, as well the number to the SSA(Social Security Administration) fraud line.

Here are the numbers that you will need:

1.) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285

2.) Experian: 1-888-397-3742

3.) TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289

4.) Social Security Administration (fraud line) 1-800-269-0271

Please double the check the numbers for accuracy.

Last, you may want to invest on the monthly service provided by LifeLock.com, which as a $1 million service guarantee. You can learn more about Life Lock here.