To stop identity theft, the first thing you need to remember is how much power your personal information gives the thief.
A thief can use your social security number, credit card number, password, PIN, and other information to make purchases in your name. This can cost you both money and time as you try to fix the damage. Don't let them have that power.
- At the bank, only fill in the last four digits. Did you know that when you fill out deposit or withdrawal forms, you only need to write the last four digits of your bank account number? The rest can be handled by the teller. Also, rip up and throw away any transaction slips you want to get rid of to avoid identity theft. Don't just leave them there.
- Don't share private information over the phone. Don't give your account information or other information like that to someone who calls you and asks for it. Before giving out any information, you should ask them to call you back or go to their office to talk to them in person. Better yet, to stop identity theft, don't give out information unless you've asked for it.
- Don't bring any IDs you don't need. It's easier to keep track of your IDs every day if your wallet only has the most recent ones or the ones you actually use during the week. Leave IDs you don't use often at home and lock them up. This will help stop identity theft.
- Always be aware of what's going on around you. Whenever you make a purchase, make sure your credit or debit card is given back to you right away. Especially at an ATM, cup your other hand over the hand that is punching in your PIN.
- Keep important papers in a safe place. To keep your ID, bank statements, credit cards, and other important documents from being stolen, never let anyone fix your wallet, purse, or bag. Even with people you know well, you shouldn't be lazy. Studies show that around 26% of the time, the people whose identities were stolen knew the people who did it.
- Stay in the know! Take the time to find out what identity thieves are doing now. If you use the Internet to do business with money, you should be especially worried. To keep from having your identity stolen, you will need to watch out for web spoofing (when a fake copy of a trusted site is used to trick your transaction) and fake emails.
- Throw away important papers in the right way. To stop identity theft, shred or tear up receipts, personal applications, and bank or credit card statements and put them in different trash cans. Burn them first and then throw them away. If you don't want your identity to be stolen, don't leave your receipts lying around after you make a purchase. Don't ever forget your receipt at the ATM.
If you follow these tips, it will be easy to stop identity theft from happening.
