10 Tips to Avoid Identity Theft

Identity theft is a serious problem today. Identity theft can make it difficult to improve your credit score. It can also lead to legal troubles. If your credit history is affected, you may have trouble getting a new job, housing, or insurance.

Here are 10 tips that can help you from becoming a victim of identity theft:

• Memorize your social security number and your PIN numbers.

• Don’t use easy to guess passwords, like your birthday or your mother’s maiden name.

• Secure your computer by using firewall software and always update your computer security to safeguard your computer from spyware.

• Confirm if the website URL that is requesting your personal information is authentic or legitimate.

• Beware of emails, especially with attachments, belonging to someone you don’t know. Emails like these contain viruses or spyware that can easily be installed in your computer and can send your personal information stored in your computer to thieves.

• Websites that ask for personal information should be secure. A secured website usually has URL that starts with “https://” with the “s” meaning secured.

• Beware of telephone inquiries asking you to give your personal information, unless you contacted them.

• If you lost your credit card, report it immediately to concerned authorities. It could have been stolen by identity thieves.

• Get your mail as soon as it is delivered.

• Do not discard bank, credit card or any other transaction receipts in public areas. Someone might obtain these information by dumpster diving.

Source: CreditScoreAide.com