Internet,Tips,For,Identity,The DIY Internet: 5 Tips For Identity Theft Protection

When starting a new work at home business it is very easy to become consumed by it. We spend so much time trying to get the business up and running that we may end up becoming burned out and lose our motivation. There is so much to learn and Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;mso-style-noshow:yes;mso-style-parent:"";mso-padding-alt:0in

This is that time of year when we all start getting those emails thatwant to purloin our secret codes and passwords. You know the ones that have subject lines like: “Your Account Is AboutTo Be Closed,” “There’s A Block On Your Account,” “Could You Help Me Claim MyFunds,” or my all-time favorite “Congratulations – You’ve Won The UK Lottery.” This is the time of year when we are all shopping for gifts for familyor customers, and the last thing we need is for our bank or credit cardsaccount to be hindered.  That is exactlywhat these “cyber grifters” are counting on, and unfortunately some of us aretempted to follow the instructions sent to investigate.   First and foremost, DON’T FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE EMAIL!  If you think there might be a problem, accessthe account in question as you normally do on your PC and not with the linksupplied in the phony email. I’ve had some very authentic looking email supposedly from banks, thateven went so far as to copy the colors of the bank logo and stationerystyle.  But, don’t fall for thescam.  In fact, don’t even open theemail, because many are just set to loose a virus program on your computer bybeing opened.  Simply forward thesuspicious email to the “spoof email” address supplied by your bank, or creditcard company. Nearly 10 million Americans fell prey to identity theft last year,costing businesses and individuals billions of dollars.  Here are some other tips to help you: Understand debit card dangers:  Greater liability than credit cards.  When it comes to fraud, debit cards carry much greater personal liability than credit cards, depending on how quickly you report the loss of the card.  If you fail to report unauthorized use within 60 days of receiving your bank statements, you could lose all the money in the account and be held responsible for the amount of money that has been tapped from your line of credit.Rethink check writing:  That little slip of paper has way too much information. Some experts advise against check writing because it gives away your address, bank account number, signature and license number to complete strangers.  On top of that, there’s no federal legislation to limit your liability for forged checks (each state has its own set of rules).  Experts advise that you look into automating your bill paying.Secure your mail:  Your mailbox is a goldmine of information.  Between bank statement, bills, and all those pre-approved credit card offers, your mailbox is loaded with personal data which identity thieves can use to easily apply for a credit card in your name.  Unless you diligently check your credit report, you may never even know about it.  One way to avoid this is to have your mailbox under lock and key, but most of us in Santa Clarita have our mailboxes at the curb in front of our house and the postman frowns on carrying dozens and dozens of keys around.  The other solution is to have a rented mailbox, or to foil “dumpster-diving” thieves by buying a shredder and destroy documents before discarding.Go virtual:  For shopping online, there are “virtual” card numbers.  These are randomly generated credit card numbers that are disposable and that on-line shoppers use once and throw away.  It’s linked directly to your real credit card account so purchases show up on your monthly bill.  The service is easy to use – and it’s FREE!  All you need to do is register with companies offering the virtual card, and they are MBNA, Discover, and Citigroup.Create an emergency identity kit:  Would you know how to contact your credit card company in an emergency?  Create an emergency kit that contains: your account number, expiration date, issuing company name, and emergency contact number for each card you own.  While you’re at it, make copies of your driver’s license, social security card, birth certificate and passport and store them in a locked box or file cabinet, or a safe deposit box.  I like the safe deposit box best, because this gives you protection in the event of a catastrophe such as fire, earthquake, etc.   This may all seem like alot of unnecessary work, but if you’re ever the victim of identity theft – evenjust once – you’ll realize that it’s well worth the effort. Many of us forget thatwere it not for what we carry in our wallets or in our purses, we’re all Johnand Jane Doe’s if we can’t speak due to injury or are unaccompanied by someonewho knows us.  How much less stressful isit to know that in a bank box, no matter where you are, there are items thatcan verify your identity.  Better to besafe, than sorry!