Anyone could be an identity theft victim and if you might have not known it yet, millions of people fall on the hands of these thieves and stunning billions of dollars a year are lost due to this crime. When one’s identity get stolen, it takes months and sometimes even years before he realizes it. There are times when you see some charges unknown to you in your bills; thinking that it is something that just slipped your mind you just brush it off. If it happens every now and then, better have the hint that you’ve already lost your identity.

You might sometimes wonder how could someone know and use your personal information when you can’t remember giving out any information to any individual or any company. Identity theft criminals have a lot other ways of collecting other people’s personal information.

For identity thieves, your trash could be their treasure. If you’re thinking how then read on. Some of your personal information could be found in your trash can like receipts, bill statements, id’s and passwords jotted down on a piece of paper. Dumpster divers are those who check on one’s trash for information for the purpose of stealing one’s identity. Sounds crazy but true. So when you have to dispose some important documents, don’t just crumple and shoot them in the can, shred them. There would be no way for these dumpsters to decipher whatever was written in the paper thus, sparing you from being their next identity theft victim.

ATM receipts, cancelled checks, expired passports and visas, credit card statements, tax forms, pre-approved credit card forms and pay stubs; these are just some of the items that you should dispose of properly and properly means shredding them.

Another sure way to guard your personal information is reporting lost or stolen cards and id’s. Once you found out that they are lost, even if you just misplaced them warn your bank about it, it is better safe than sorry they say. Anyway, most banks would be issuing new replacement cards in a week so worry not of not being able to use it for few days.

This is a grave and common mistake that a lot of us are guilty of- keeping our social security card in our wallets. This card contains all the aces an identity theft criminals need like your address, birth date, social security number and driver’s license. Better leave them at home and keep them in a secured place. You may lose your wallet but at least you still have your own identity.

Besides cards and identifications, another thing that you need to safeguard is your check. Never ever leave your checks in a place accessible to just anyone. When you discovered your check/s are missing immediately inform your bank regarding this. Checks bears your name and bank account number and this could be used to write or fraudulent check. You might just wake up one day with a drained bank account or worse even have charges of bounced checks.

Identity theft sure is a crime but it cold be prevented if only we take careful steps and actions.

Similar Posts:

Share