Keeping Your Credit Card And Account Numbers Safe
Posted by: Staff Writer | Jul 15,2007
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It's big business among criminals to deal in stolen identities. Sometimes people shrug this off, saying only large banks or companies are hurt.
However, what might appear to be a victimless crime, actually can cause an unsuspecting innocent person a great deal of heartache and more than a few sleepless nights. If you discovered someone had used your name and Social Security number to borrow money and not repay it, your credit would be temporarily ruined. Creditors could start harassing you. You could even be served legal papers. To protect yourself, follow these steps.
Watch Your Social Security NumberThis is the most important number in your life to keep private. Never tell anyone who calls you, no matter how they identify themselves, your social security number. Most banks will only ask you for the last four digits.
You will have to give your Social Security number to some people, such as those who hire you and those who will lend you money. However, if you have the option of using another number, do so. For example, in the states that use Social Security numbers for your driver's license, they will allow you to substitute another number.
Never have your social security number put on your checks.
Be sure to either safely store or destroy any documents that might contain your Social Security number like pay stubs or insurance papers.
Watch Your MailboxOne place you're vulnerable is the portal of information known as the mailbox. Thieves target mailboxes because they know you receive all sorts of personal information, not to mention credit card bills and credit card offers, all of which will make a criminal's day.
First of all, you can stop those pre-approved credit offers, which are disasters just waiting to happen. All a thief has to do is send in your pre-approved offer and start using the card until you get the bill. The phone number to call is 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688).
You can also ask your credit card companies to stop sending you those cash advance checks, which are even easier to steal and use.
If you ordering new checks, you're better off picking up that distinctive box at the bank rather than chancing it being delivered to you, especially if your mail is any way vulnerable.
Never leave a credit card payment in the outgoing mail.
Watch Your TrashYou cannot simply throw away financial papers. Old bills, insurance statements or anything containing personal information on it is a step closer to identity theft. Buy a shredder and destroy all those invitations to criminals.
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