Identity theft protection

One of the most effective weapons in the fight against identity theft is also one of the most low tech. A simple paper shredder can stop identity thieves in their tracks and keep your valuable personal information private. .Despite the horror stories associated with online identity theft, simple dumpster diving and trash theft plays a much larger role in the problem. By purchasing a high quality paper shredder and shredding all bank statements, credit card bills and other personal documents you can greatly reduce your chances of becoming a victim.

There is no doubt that online banking is convenient, and even many who swore they would never bank online are coming around. But how do you keep your personal information safe when entering it on the computer? While banks are taking some excellent steps to protect their customers, consumers themselves also have to take some responsibility. From never giving out their bank accounts on the phone to spotting phony emails, consumers need to educate themselves about keeping their personal banking information safe and secure. After all online banking safety is very much a partnership between you and your bank.

If identity theft does take place one of the first signs will be a change in your credit report. That is why checking all three of your credit reports on a regular basis is so critical to fighting identity theft. If you spot a credit card you did not open, or a credit inquiry you did not authorize, you may be looking at an attempted identity theft. If you can spot the problem early and notify the credit bureaus of the problem you can avoid many of the more serious repercussions of identity theft. So keep an eye out for any suspicious new entries on your credit report.

Phishing is similar in many ways to traditional fishing, but with phishing you are the catch of the day and the bad guys are the fishermen. Simply put phishing is an attempt to trick you into revealing personal information like bank account numbers, credit card accounts or even your Social Security number. Armed with this valuable information thieves can steal your identity, take out loans in your name and quickly ruin your good credit score and good reputation. If you fall victim to one of these scams it could take years, and many thousands of dollars, to recover your reputation, so prevention is the best defense.