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identity theft tips

It may be a cliché, but “Better Safe Than Sorry” is sage advice when it comes to protecting your personal information. Putting these safety tips into practice can pay off for you — instead of the criminals:

  • Bank and Pay Bills Online - Move your financial transactions online and turn off paper bills, statements and checks (including paychecks), replacing them with electronic versions. Avoid writing checks and placing the bill payment in your unsecured mailbox. Instead, pay bills online and arrange automatic deposits.
  • Monitor Accounts Online - Frequently monitor your accounts online at bank and credit card websites. Individuals who do this uncover and resolve fraud the fastest.
  • Monitor Credit Report - Review your credit information no less than once per year. You can do this for free at www.annualcreditreport.com.
  • Keep Personal Information Private - Never provide sensitive financial or personal data such as passwords, PINs or account numbers over the phone unless you call directly to a verified and trusted location.
  • Keep Software Updated - Install and regularly update firewall, browser, security, anti-spyware and anti-virus software on your personal computer and keep operating systems up to date.
  • Secure Paper Documents - Reduce unnecessary access to personal information wherever possible. For example, don’t carry Social Security cards, checks or credit cards you’re not currently using, and don’t leave sensitive documents out in the open.

Source: Javelin Strategy & Research

"Move your financial transactions online by turning off paper invoices, statements and checks, including paychecks, and replacing them with electronic versions where offered by employers, banks, utilities or merchants. Avoid mailing checks to pay bills or deposit funds in your banking account. Instead, pay bills online and use remote deposit check imaging services on online banking sites."
~ Javelin Strategy & Research, Safety Tips to Protect Consumers from Identity Fraud