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Prevent Fraud and Identity Theft
Fraud and Identity theft is a growing problem and has ramifications far beyond damaging your credit score.In some extreme cases, victims of identity theft have been arrested or even jailed because of outstanding debts against them or charges relating to credit card fraud. The burden of proof lands on the victim here and they quickly find out proving identity theft can be an extremely difficult thing to do.
To Prevent Fraud and Identity Theft, Unless detected early, can be very difficult to put an end to. In most cases, the victim does not even realize they have been victimized until they begin to feel the negative effects of the theft. In most cases, this doesn’t happen until the victim tries to get a credit card, take out a loan or lease a car. They are often shocked to find out their credit is bad and have no idea what caused it. Upon investigating, they discover the theft and try to correct it. However, it is much easier said than done.
The solution is to take steps to prevent Fraud and Identity Theft. Below, you’ll find a few ways to protect yourself against this terrible crime that can ruin your life.
One: Choose a Smart and Secure Password for Your Credit Cards
Because just about anyone – especially a scam artist – can get their hands on your credit report, choose a password that is something other than your mother’s maiden name. Prevent Fraud and Identity Theft by avoiding using methods easily located by identity thieves. Choose something that few people would know – even those closest to you. Avoid birthdays, addresses, phone numbers or the last four digits of your social security number.
Two: Get Your Free Annual Credit Report
Every American citizen is entitled to an annual credit report under the law. This is not something that you will receive automatically, so make sure you request it. Check it over carefully and make sure you report anything suspicious right away. This is one sure fire way to Prevent Fraud and Identity Theft.
Three: Don’t Ignore Your Statements
You get bank statements and credit card statements for a reason. Keep receipts of everything you buy with your credit or debit cards to prevent fraud and idenity theft and compare your records with those receipts. Do this on paper. Highlight everything on your statements as you find the receipt for it. If there is anything left that isn’t highlighted when you’re done, make sure you remember buying it. If not, report it right away.
Four: Protect Important Numbers
There are three circumstances under which you should never give out your credit card or bank account number. To protect these important numbers:
- Don’t give your information over the phone if you did not initiate the phone call. If someone calls and claims to be from a company – regardless of whether or not it is a company you are familiar with – do not supply them with the information. Find the customer service number for that retailer and notify them of the call. They likely had nothing to do with the call you received and will appreciate you calling to inform them.
- Do not write your credit card or bank account numbers on an envelope or on a check. If a company asks for your credit card number by mail, do not provide it and ask if there is another way to pay.
- If you receive a pre-approved credit card application, shred or burn it instead of just throwing it away. Those applications are an identity thief’s dream.
Prevent Fraud and Identity theft TODAY be acting NOW, This is one of America,s fastest growing Crimes.