| Identity theft is a growing problem and one that | | | | mail, even in these days of the email. Never |
| can have far reaching and devastating | | | | assume that you can just dispose of this mail in |
| consequences for the victim. Most of us may | | | | the trash. If you have a letter with confidential |
| think that identity theft is mostly about using a | | | | information, make sure to completely rip it or |
| SSN number to check out books at the library or | | | | burn it, because discarding it. |
| similar, but that's not the case. Identity theft may | | | | Keep an eye on your bank account statements |
| result in someone using your identity to scam you | | | | A common method of credit card fraud is to get |
| out of all your belongings, put you in debt and | | | | your CCN but not use it right away. Instead, the |
| commit crimes in your name. Stay safe always | | | | criminal may try making a small purchase, to see |
| with these tips: | | | | if you will close the card. If nothing happens, then |
| Do not disclose your personal information | | | | he may continue to make other small purchases, |
| Criminals need very little information to be able to | | | | week by week, month by month or he may |
| use your ID. That's why you should always be | | | | choose to go for the big score. Make it a weekly |
| vigilant about not disclosing your personal | | | | habit to go through all of your bank statements. |
| information over the phone or email. There may | | | | Stay safe on the internet |
| be instances where there may be a legitimate | | | | We all know of the Nigerian scam emails, but |
| reason for someone requesting your information, | | | | online fraud can be much more sophisticated than |
| but as a general rule, you should not disclose your | | | | that. The most common way of stealing your |
| info to strangers. Always ask for proof of ID | | | | information is by using phishing websites or Trojan |
| from those who ask for your information. | | | | horse programs. Be very careful about emails |
| Keep your mail and trash safe | | | | asking you to change your password. These may |
| It's not only private eyes who go trough other | | | | be used to steal your password on a fake site. |
| people's trash. Your trash may reveal a lot about | | | | Also, do not install software that you have not |
| you, particularly if you don't destroy your mail. | | | | requested. |
| Most important information is still sent by regular | | | | |