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Identity Theft Facts: How Do They Apply To You?

Getting the facts about identity theft is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your personal financial information. There are many facts about identity theft that the average consumer simply does not know. How do thieves get your information? What do they do with it? What information should you always keep personal? How can you protect yourself? It is a fundamental identity theft fact that the thieves are sneaky! If they were not cunning, they would be able to steel your identity as easily as they do.

Most consumers have no idea how vulnerable their personal identities are. But losing your identity is not always the doings of a sneaky crook. It can be as simple as having your purse or wallet stolen. Your identity is now at risk. Some of the sneakier methods include obtaining credit card numbers, PIN numbers, and social security numbers through fraudulent means. This can be done through the Internet, e-mail, the telephone, and even spying at ATMs. Some identity thieves even dig through the garbage to take advantage of hastily thrown away credit card offers and bank information.

Protection against Identity Theft

Most of the identity theft facts you need to know will show up on your credit report. It is crucial to check your credit report as often as possible, making sure the only things that show up on it are the activities you actually participated in. The good news is that you can receive a free copy of your credit report, up to three times a year. There are three major credit bureaus that keep track of consumer information, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. It is an identity theft fact that they are required to give you a free copy of your credit report once a year, and if you do this with each agency, this gives you three credit reports a year. Of course, you can pay to have even more copies if there is a problem.

Keep all passwords, back account numbers, social security numbers, and other personal information in a safe place, such as a safe or your freezer. Also, do not make passwords easy to guess. This is one of the ways that identity thefts gain access to your information, through guessing your password. When doing business, take the time to learn the facts about identity theft, and how they relates to the company you are working with. Make sure you ask about their security procedures. Find out how they plan to keep your information safe. If you do not feel comfortable with their answers, find another company to do business with.

Never give out personal information any way other than in person. This is not always possible, but use precautions to avoid becoming a target to thieves. Do not give out social security number online, no matter what. This is the biggest way your identity can be stolen, through your social security number. Keep it safe!