Jun 26
Tips For Solving Identity Theft
You wouldn't wish identity theft on your worst enemy -- cleaning up following identity theft is one of the timeliest and most frustrating processes to go through.
One of the readers of consumerist.com wrote in regarding her experience in solving her identity theft debacle, and they have published it as a "How To". There are many great tips in HOW TO: Get Through Having Your Identity Stolen.
Comments
Unfortunately, identity theft is a profitable crime and it is only likely to increase. Better to take easy preventative steps than go through the mess that will happen if it ever happens to you.
Yes you're right on that! been there...what a total mess trying to win my life back! I got a lot of information from the net on trying to combat it, here's an article I find really helpful, you might want to take a look at it too.It's an article on Identit... Theft - When it Happens To You
id theft..sucks!
If someone has stolen your identity the first thing you should do is to call your credit card company.
If you want to protect yourself from identity theft don't give your credit card number over the phone. When you write a check, never allow salers to write down your credit card number on the check. People who place their Social Security and driver′s license numbers on their checks are making identity theft fairly easy.
If you pay with credit card, never let the salesperson write down your social security number. Before entering your credit card number into website make sure that reasons for needing your credit card number are legitimate.
Don′t put your Social Security number on any document unless it is legally required.
Check your credit report once or twice a year to make sure it is correct.
Never disclose your personal identification number (PIN) for your to anybody, not even a call centre agent. You are the only person who should ever know this number. Remember your PIN, don't write it on the card and, if you do write the number down, keep it in a safe place separate from your credit card.
When using your card at an ATM, enter your PIN in such a way that no one can easily see your key strokes.
Don't leave your slip behind at an ATM. Rather shred it to stop card fraud.
Never let your credit card out of your sight. You have the right to be present when your card is swiped through an electronic terminal. Fraudsters can use small handheld reading devices to capture the electronic data on your card. This information can be used to produce a fake card.
Make sure that you always get your own card back after using it. Also, make sure that you tear up any voided or cancelled sales slips.
Report a lost or stolen card to FNB immediately.
Ignore any credit card offer that requires you to spend money up-front.
Never give your credit card number over the telephone unless you initiated the call.
Keep a list of your credit cards, credit card numbers and toll-free numbers in a safe place in case your cards are lost or stolen.
Check your monthly statement to ensure all charges are your own and immediately notify us of any errors or unauthorised charges.
It's quite obvious that using credit cards is not safe! Of course, keeping cash in your purse is not save either but at least you can not loose more than you actually have. I have come to conclusion that checks are the only things one should trust.