Paul Dreher Director of Personal Insurance View Bio

Top 10 Tips to Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft

Many Americans are under the impression that identity theft only happens to people with credit or social security cards; this simply isn’t true. In this day and age it is impossible to totally eliminate the risk of becoming a victim to identity theft. Here are a few tips to help “you” remain the only “you” out there:

Protect Yourself

  1. Protect your social security number. Make sure you ask questions when asked to provide it. “Is there another form of ID that I can provide?”
  2. Photocopy front and back of all cards you carry in your wallet and store that information in a safe place.
  3. Never routinely carry your social security card, passport, or birth certificate in your wallet or purse.
  4. Shred your confidential trash with a cross cut or diamond cut shredder.
  5. Never give personal information to anyone from an unsolicited computer, telephone or personal contact.
  6. Subscribe to a true identity theft restoration company versus a reimbursement or credit monitoring company. There is a big difference.
  7. Ensure your computer is protected with a firewall, and against viruses and spyware. Encrypt wireless networks.
  8. Order your credit reports at least three times per year (Free) www.annualcreditreport.com
  9. Monitor your financial accounts daily and report any unusual activity immediately.
  10. Don’t leave outgoing mail with personal information in your mailbox for pick-up.

Identity Theft Protection Should Provide:

  • Protection in ALL facets of ID Theft
  • Real-Time Monitoring
  • Credit Restoration
  • Legal Council

In a time when personal information is so easily accessible and everyone is at risk of identity theft, the issue of our safety is a growing concern. Tips like these from our friends at Lawley are a step in the right direction and a reminder that there are people with your best interests in mind.