Who Are You? - Protecting Yourself From Identity Theft

In the movie "The Net", Sandra Bullock, the role of victims of identity theft. In fact, she was essentially cleared from the community. Another woman consumed her identity by providing everything with Sandra Bullock character had - including their bank accounts, license and social security number, and even their homes. It seems crazy to think that this could happen if all it's just a movie. But just as fairy tales can come true, so can your worst nightmare. Identity theft happens at an alarming rate. Than 100,000 identity theft complaints are filed each year.

Identity thieves work in various ways. One of the most common is to create a new credit card in your name, your birth date and social security number. The rack-up costs, not pay the bill and the delinquent account appears on your credit report. You can also e-mail address, so that your credit card will be sent to the wrong address on them more time for shopping until you realize that there is a problem. You can also use mobile phone services and accounts in your name, so that expensive phone calls and writing bad checks.

Identity theft today is much more than losing your wallet full of money. You can lose all your savings are. Some victims are stuck paying false loans and large credit card debts. At the very least victims will lose their good credit rating. Most people spend countless hours trying to ensure the security and financial problems that arise. This can be expensive, time consuming and causes enormous stress for the victims and their families.

Do not delay, the measures to prevent identity theft. You can actively contribute to reducing your chances of becoming a victim with a few simple strategies. Do not these out - you can move it a little at a time, and it is easier than you think - and the irony is that other areas of your life management will be more than well organized! Here are some tips you can use immediately.

• Never give your social security number for everyone - unless the requesting authority may guarantee confidentiality.

• Take your social security number, your driver's license and checks.

• Cancel and cut up unused or "extra" credit cards.

• Check whether your credit card for all purchases, the very strange for you - more of what you buy!

• Look at your phone bill, cable bill, internet bill, etc., for an increase in fees.

• If your credit card bill is late or you suspect it is lost, call the credit card issuer immediately.

• Check with your creditors on their policy for stolen cards or fraudulently accessed. (You could be liable!)

• E-mail accounts from the post office or official mailbox instead of your home.

• Keep important documents (passport, birth certificate, stocks, savings accounts), locked in a safe or file drawer.

• Shred old bank and credit card details to make sure account numbers, passwords, and addresses are unreadable before discarding.

• Think about what you throw into the trash. Assume that everyone can and will by it after it from your home!

• Keep a written copy or photograph (locked away) of the contents of your wallet or purse. Do not waste your wallet with you when it is not necessary.

• Create passwords that are for you, but are not the usual birthday, anniversary, pet or maiden name.

• Use only sites that are encrypted and secure and have a privacy, before entering your credit card number. • Contact the fraud department all three agencies (see above) and report your results.

• Call your financial institutions or creditors for any accounts that are fraudulently accessed or opened and close these accounts.

• Report the identity theft to the police. Get a copy of the message to give to your creditors for poof of the crime.