Identity theft statistics are shocking, to say
least. And it's not going to get better any time soon. But there is no need for you to become a statistic. Here is what you can do to avoid identity theft.1. If your mail box doesn't have a lock yet, put one on.
If you had any official letters missing recently from your mail box, chances are somebody has stolen them to find out things about you, and possibly assume your identity. If it didn't happen to you yet, count yourself lucky and put lock on mail box anyway.
2. Consider renting a PO Box at your local post office. Use it as a postal address for most or all mail. This will be particularly useful when you go away for a few days, or if there is no one home for most of day.
3. Invest in a good paper shredder, preferably a cross-cut type.
You should never just tear up important documents. But what may not be so obvious is that pre-filled offers you get from banks, credit card companies, insurance companies and like, also contain sensitive details about you that would be of interest to identity thieves. Shred all of these before throwing them out.
4. Never give any financial details over phone, unless you initiated call.
The most common scenario: Someone calls you pretending to be from a local charity. You agree to donate a small amount to a "good cause". Not suspecting anything, you give them credit card details over phone and rest, as they say, is history. Next time you get your credit card statement, it will be full of unauthorized transactions.
Do you give them credit card numbers over phone? Never! Either ask them to send you some leaflets in mail, or get their phone number so you can verify they are who they say they are, before donating any money.
Another scenario: Someone calls you "from a local bank". All they want to do is verify your financial details. Again, I don't care what they tell you, don't do it. Ask them to leave their name and contact number so you can call them back. Next, get your local bank's phone number from a phone book and give bank a call (don't use number they gave you, as thieves maybe just waiting on other end). Ask people at bank if someone was trying to contact you. You may find out they know nothing about it! The fact is, your bank already has all details they need about you, in vast majority of cases.
5. A fake "charity worker" knocking on your door? He or she may even have an authentic-looking id. What do you do? Well, if you give them some small change, then this is all you've lost. But if you donate money using your credit card, you just became a victim of identity fraud.
Of course, many times a real charity worker will be knocking on your door. What do you do if you really want to help? Ask them to leave a leaflet with you, so you may read it when time is a bit more convenient. Or ask them for a phone number and charity name so you can call them. If it turns out to be genuine, you can always send them money later.
