Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft - Atascocita
Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft - Atascocita
By: Carmen Wisenbaker, Press Agent
Published: Feb 24, 2011, 3:00pm
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(Submitted by Carmen Wisenbaker, Press Agent on behalf of Diana VanHorn, CFP)
First, the bad news: There's still plenty of identity theft out there. Now, the better news: There's not as much as in previous years. And now, the best news: You can do a lot to protect yourself from being victimized.
The overall decline in identity theft may indicate that more people are acting to protect themselves - but the average cost per person shows that fraud victims still can get hurt. How can you reduce the chances of being victimized by identity theft? Here are some suggestions:
First, always shred old investment statements, tax returns, bank documents and pre-approved credit card offers. And keep your credit card away from thieves with camera cell phones. Don't pull your credit card out from your wallet or purse until the moment you're going to use it, and put it away afterward.
Try to replace paper statements from banks, financial services providers and credit card issuers with online versions. And check those statements carefully for unfamiliar or questionable transactions.
Also, unless it's truly necessary, as when you're filing legal documents, don't give out your Social Security number.
Finally, change the PIN number on your cash card once in a while. Identity thieves are clever - so do whatever it takes to keep them out of your life.
By Diana VanHorn, CFP, Edward Jones - Atascocita, Texas. To reach Diana or her office, call (281) 812–7593.
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