credit-cards-talk.com

Compare Airline Credit Cards Section

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive information on Credit Cards
Email:
First Name:






Compare Airline Credit Cards Section

 

Compare Airline Credit Cards Article

How To Stop Identity Theft

In today's technologically advanced world more and more people are falling victim to identity theft both online and offline. It was reported by a general accounting office that over 700,000 Americans have their identity stolen every year and that number is expected to rise over time. While many thieves operate online there are still many "dumpster divers" who go through people's trash cans looking for a credit card statement or a solicitation that someone forgot to tear up. You may be thinking that people don't do this stuff but there are people who spend a lot of time waiting on someone to forget to shred a piece of their personal information so they can take it and start running up your credit cards and using your social security number. It may be impossible to stop someone from stealing your identity entirely, but there are things that you can do to lower the risk of having it happen.

A simple way to stop thieves from getting your personal information by dumpster diving is to remember to destroy all private records and statements. You can tear the stuff up, but it is best to shred it. Credit card statements, documents with financial information and solicitations all need to be shredded. It is also a good idea to secure your mail, you can do this by emptying your mailbox quickly, lock it or get a P.O box. By securing your mail it will stop thieves from stealing credit card pitches and other financial information. Never mail bills or checks from your home, it is simple for thieves to go through your mail and get a bill or check and change the payee's name on the check by erasing it with solvent. Mail out all of your bills and checks from the post office since it is the most secure location to do so.

Your social security number should also be protected. You should never carry your social security card with you or any other card that may have your number on it, this includes your heath insurance card. The social security number is the key to all of your information so thieves look for stuff like this. If they get your social security number they can get access to other important information like your credit report and your bank account. Also remember to never leave ATM, credit card or gas receipts behind.

A lot of people have their identities stolen because they fail to educate themselves about who they're giving their private and financial information to. When someone calls with some kind of special offer or something don't be quick to give up your information if you're interested in their offer, first ask them who they are and what company they represent and then do a little research yourself. Don't ever give up your financial information over the phone. Monitor your credit card, obtain a copy of your credit report annually and review it thoroughly for anything that may look suspicious to you. Also thoroughly review your credit card statement, make sure all of the merchants look familiar and if they don't, call your credit card company and notify them about the suspicious things on your statement.

There are simple precautions that you can take to stop criminals from obtaining your private information. Be more aware when you use your credit card and don't forget to shred up all important information that you throw into the trash.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Identity Theft



 

Do you want to contribute to our site : submit your articles HERE

 

Compare Airline Credit Cards News

Card issuers offer rewards to build savings, pay off debt - CreditCards.com


Telegraph.co.uk

Card issuers offer rewards to build savings, pay off debt
CreditCards.com, TX - 11 hours ago
By Tamara E. Holmes Credit card issuers have often been criticized for making it easy for consumers to spend money, but several companies have rolled out ...
Best Credit Card Offers And Payday Loans For Financially Difficult ... NewDesignWorld (press release)
Online Credit Card Offers: How to Find the Right One PWO
all 47 news articles

Read more...


Traveling with a credit card is almost a requirement - CreditCards.com


Traveling with a credit card is almost a requirement
CreditCards.com, TX - 6 hours ago
Southwest Airlines said in September 2008 that it will accept only credit cards for in-flight items such as beer and liquor.
Amtrak plans onboard credit sales Philadelphia Inquirer
all 2 news articles

Read more...


Welcome to the Credit-Card Jungle - Barron's


Welcome to the Credit-Card Jungle
Barron's - Jan 4, 2009
Both sites rank cards across categories, including airline and cash-back cards. BadCreditOffers.com, on the other hand, is dedicated to finding credit cards ...

Read more...


Airport Money for Strippers? - WTVQ


Airport Money for Strippers?
WTVQ, KY - 23 hours ago
The money was charged to an airport credit card, and was described as entertainment for American Airlines executives. WTVQ 36 spoke to Lexington Vice Mayor ...
Charge to strip club prompts tighter spending controls at airport Kentucky.com
all 30 news articles

Read more...


Rants from the road - too many rewards cards - WalletPop


Rants from the road - too many rewards cards
WalletPop, VA - 4 hours ago
National is not a Preferred Partner with my Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards frequent flyer program. This means that I don't get the 0.5 credit per ...

Read more...