IDENTITY THEFT

With a few helpful tips, you stand a better chance of recognizing an identity scam when you see one.

Some identity theft scams are more prevalent than others. One takes place over the phone, and people are very surprised at this because you wouldn’t think that a criminal would just call you up on the phone so blatantly and bold like that. The thief will call a person and pretend to be a bill collector or a credit card company. They will try to swindle their way into getting enough personal information to use in order to steal the person’s identity for their own financial gain. Always be very weary of anyone who calls you and asks for personal information.

Another way identity theft can occur is through e-mail, also referred to as identity theft phishing. They will send someone an email pretending to be a legitimate company and seek out personal information. Many people fall victim to this scam. These criminals are very sneaky and you have to realize that NO legitimate company would ever send or request this through email. Never write back with personal information no matter who they may say that they are.

Another way criminals are collecting your personal information is by following you on social networks like ‘facebook’ & ‘twitter’, so be careful just how much information you reveal about yourself, particularly to people you have just met on these sites or you haven’t known for a long time.

These are just a couple of the different identity theft scams that are used and there are lots of others as well. The most important thing is that people take preventative measures so that they can hopefully avoid becoming a victim of identity theft.

1    Shredding documents before throwing them in the garbage
2    Always take & tear up your bank receipt after using an ATM is so important.
3    Shred or tear up; Driver’s license cards, old bank cards, credit card and bank statements, and anything else with         important information, DON’T put whole documents in the rubbish basket.

It is always important to keep an eye on your credit rating. Request a credit report from a credit bureau at least once a year. Educate yourself  and be aware of how these criminals work. If you ever notice that something is just not right, it is important to contact the proper authorities at once, don’t delay take action right away is highly encouraged to avoid risking loss of money or your credit reputation.