Tools to Prevent Identity Theft Fraud
American's who have experienced identity theft fraud has reached epidemic proportions having surpassed 27 million and increasing every year.
Identity theft fraud is taken very seriously and the banks have taken substantial measures to protect your identity and your accounts against scammers.
When you use your online services, protect your secret password so only you know what it is.
They also have encrypted all online bank transactions. This converts your information into a secure code, protecting you against would be hackers.
Here are a few things you can use as tools for preventing identity fraud :
Don't give out information such as checking and credit card numbers or your Social Security number to anyone you do not know.
Notify your bank immediately if you lose or have your checks stolen They can be flagged with a fraud notice to block payment.
Don't give the PIN number on your ATM card to anyone and don't write the number down and keep in your wallet. Always take your ATM receipts with you after a transaction.
Shred any financial papers you receive before disposing of them. This includes any solicitation notices that you may receive for any credit cards or mail from other financial institutions.
If you don't receive a regular monthly bill, call the company to find out why.
Check out the bills you do receive to make sure all the transactions are legitimate. If there is anything suspicious call the company immediately to stop any fraud from going any further.
Check your credit report at least once a year to make sure the information is correct.
In December 2004 the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act was put into effect and one provision requires that the three major credit reporting agencies are to provide consumers with a free copy of their own credit report.
Another provision to help fight identity theft is the National Fraud Alert System. This allows consumers who reasonably suspect they have been a victim of identity theft can place an alert on their credit files. This alert will tell potential creditors that they must proceed with caution when granting credit.
Scammers can get the information they need to assume your identity from a variety of sources. They range from stealing your wallet to digging in your trash. They may approach you in person, by telephone or on the Internet and ask you for the information.
The sources of information about you are so numerous that you cannot totally prevent the theft of your identity. But identity theft fraud can be minimized by just becoming aware of the possibilities.
Identity Theft Fraud Protection
