Preventing Identity Fraud With 7 Simple Strategies

Identity fraud (also known as "identity theft") is the fastest growing crime in history. There were almost ten million victims of identity theft recorded in the United States in 2008. That figure represents an increase of 22% on the previous year's figure. Identity theft is a universal crime, and it is up to all of us to do all we can towards preventing identity fraud.

Don't let identity theft happen to you. Here are 7 simple and free ways of preventing identity fraud.

Keep personal details private

Never give out personal details to anyone who phones you, no matter how plausible they might sound, even if they claim to be from a company you know. Always insist that you will call them back, and then phone on a number you have previously used for the company or one taken from correspondence you have received from them. If the caller is genuine, there will be no objection to this security measure.

Never tell anyone your password

Don't give anyone your password. Never comply with email or phone requests for your password. No bank or any other reputable company would ever ask you to divulge your password or any other sensitive details.

Beware of phishing emails

Any email asking you to confirm a password is likely to be what is known as a "phishing" email. These emails purport to be from a well known bank or credit card company etc and look very convincing. They ask you to log into your account using a special link in the email. If you do as requested, you will be directed to a phony log in page which will use software called a "logger" to record you log in ID and password. The way into your bank account etc is then completely open to the identity thief.

Beware when keeping notes of security numbers

Don't keep a note of your PIN number with your ATM cash card or your credit card. If you keep a note of the PIN number and cards together and one is stolen, it is most likely both will be stolen. The identity thief will have instant access to your accounts and will probably have emptied them before you even notice the cards are missing.

Don't have easy to guess passwords

Don't use your mother's maiden name or your father's middle name as a password or password reminder. These details are a matter of public record. Any thief intent on stealing your identity can easily get these details from a copy of your Birth Certificate. Use less obvious reminders such as the name of your first pet, or your favourite author.

Be careful with receipts

Take care not to leave your receipt behind when paying for items with your credit card. If the next person in line happens to be an identity thief, you will have given them a way into your line of credit.

Be careful with sensitive documents

Shred all old private documents before you throw them out. Don't let any document leave your house intact if it shows your name and address, or account number or Social Security details. Even bills for water and power are useful to identity thieves. Tearing documents up is not adequate, invest in a shredding machine.

Preventing identity fraud depends upon the individual taking personal responsibility for protecting his/her privacy. Visit us at http://www.eversafe.info and arm yourself with all you need to know about preventing identity fraud.