Identity Theft Prevention

Half of all identity thefts are committed by someone the victim knows. This is a very scary thought when you stop and think about it. That is why it is very important to take measures to protect yourself as much as possible so this does happen to you and your loved one. I am going to talk about the common practices an identity theft does, and what prevention steps you can take.

An Identity Theif will:

• File a change of address form in your name so they can start receiving your mail
• Steal credit card payments
• Steal mail
• Go through your garbage, looking for any personal information you have thrown out
• Steal discarded credit card applications, and fill them out with their address
• Send fraudulent e-mails
• Run a Medicare scam asking for you card number (which is the same as your social security number)

Prevention Techniques

• Do not leave bill payments on your curbside mail box, take it to the post office
• Have the post office hold your mail when you are out of town, or have someone you trust pick up your mail everyday
• Do not give any personal information over the phone
• Keep your identifying information like social security card in a secure locked place
• Do not put your trash out way ahead of pick up time
• Do not care your social security card in your purse or wallet
• Do not give Medicare information out over the phone or through e-mail. To report a Medicare scam call 1-800-Medicare
• Be cautious if a friend or family member starts asking you for small loans, or says they are in a financial bind
• If you assign a power of attorney, make sure it is someone you completely trust and won't take advantage of the opportunity
• Shred all financial statements
• Do not write your passwords down

These are just some of the many precautions you should take so you don't find your identity stolen. Take some time and discuss this with your friends and family and brainstorm about other ways that you can safeguard your information.