Ways To Protect Against Identity Theft

Identity theft is a major problem in the United States. Identity theft happens to people in all walks of life and many are not aware of it until years later. It can ruin a person's reputation for a long time and cost a small fortune to remedy the situation. Here are ways to protect against identity theft:

1.  Make a photocopy of all credit and debit cards, savings passbooks, driver's license, social security card, military ID card, and any other forms of identification. After the photocopy is made, write the 800 toll free number for each credit card or bank beside each item. Also include the 800 number for social security and the department of driver licenses.

This photocopy will more than pay for itselfif your purse is snatched or wallet stolen as you will immediately be able to contact every bank, the social security administration, the driver's license bureau, etc. to freeze or place a flag on your account --- and there will be no delay since you will have all of the information in front of you. Keep this photocopy in a safe place but easily accessible. Do not keep it in a bank vault because you will not have identification to get into the vault. The faster that you notify each institution, the better the chance to protect against identity theft.

2.  Women should consider using two wallets. The first should be a small tri-fold wallet to hold your driver's license, cash, and whatever debit or credit cards you will be needing that day. A tri-fold wallet can slip inconspicuously in the inner pocket of a jacket. If your jacket does not have an inner pocket, one can quickly and easily be sewn on with minimal sewing skills. The second wallet with "throwaway cash" should be kept in the purse. A purse snatcher will only have the cash in the wallet and not know anything about who you are nor where you live. This is necessary information if he wants to steal or sell your identity.

3.  Shred all paperwork before it is thrown in the trash. Buy a quality shredder that will shred in smaller pieces. Then after shredding split the shreds into 3 trash bags. Discard the bags on different days of the week. Don't make my mother's mistake and toss the shreds in the fireplace. The shreds caught fire but were so lightweight that they floated up the chimney still burning. Once outside the chimney they landed on two of her fabric awnings and set them on fire. She didn't even know anything was burning outside. Someone driving down the street saw the flames and pounded on her front door.

4.  Millions of people have never bothered with credit cards and live on a cash budget. They believe that there is no need to check their credit report because they have never borrowed money. This is a mistake because credit accounts can be opened fraudulently and the real person would not know until served with court papers or garnishments. The best way to protect against this kind of identity theft is to stagger the free credit reports throughout the year. There are three main credit bureaus so order a report from one of them every 4 months.

5.  Illegal immigrants are a major problem to hard working Americans. They steal identities and cause the innocent to be arrested for major crimes, unpaid fines, back taxes, and unpaid child support. They also ruin social security earnings and possibly the denial of benefits. All of your personal information is kept in online computers which can be hacked and the information sold to illegals. The way to protect against this type of identity theft is to be very vigilant. Social security sends out statements every year to every American. Make sure that you receive your statement and then check it thoroughly.

If you do not receive your statement then go to the social security office and make sure that no one has changed your address. If you find errors on your report then personally take your W-2 forms and tax return to social security and have your account flagged for fraud. Social security may decide to cancel your social security number and issue a new one to you. This is the best way to prevent anyone from continuing to use your identity.

6.  Many people have had their identity stolen from their mailbox. Street mailboxes are easy prey for a thief especially in January when W-2 forms go in the mail. The thief doesn't even have to get out of the car. If it is not possible to have a mailbox beside the front door, then consider picking up your mail at the post office. Also, ask your employer if you can pick up your W-2 form from the payroll office.

7.  If your employer prints your social security number on your pay stub, ask if you can be assigned an employee number instead. Since most pay stubs already have your name and address printed on them, it seems stupid to also print the social security number. That one pay stub would give a thief access to your entire life.

These are some good ways to protect against identity theft. However, if your identity does get stolen, then ask your local police department for a police report. It will be necessary to prove that you have reported the crime and it will be especially helpful if you should be arrested or served with a garnishment against your salary or bank accounts.