Ten Identity Theft Protection Tips

When you are paying for something online, look up into the information that identifies the site you are using and make sure there is an https instead of simply http. The "S" means that the site you are using to make payments is secure. I always try to make payments only on a secure site.

We had a mortgage with Countrywide, but an executive stole the confidential records of 65,000 customers. It was discovered when Bank of America bought Countrywide. With our OK, BOA installed a “freeze” on our accounts at all three credit bureaus. No one can open any credit cards in our name or do anything else. If we want credit, say to finance a car, we arrange to have the freeze lifted for a few days and give a one-time code to the financing company. So, for an infrequent modest inconvenience, we have a lot of peace of mind. You can go online to each bureau and set it up for yourself. In IL, if you are over 65, it is free.

Thanks.
a) Check with your credit card co. to see if they offer an email alert for a charge showing by whom and amount, almost as soon as you use it. Mine through Chase, lets me set a threshold...$20, $3, $100, etc. if you don't want to "be bothered" by some, but hey, small theft-charges add up as well.
b) You can put a freeze on Credit Reports being issued. I.e. if you apply for new plastic, car loan, etc., you need to take the time to "unthaw" them, but how often are your seeking credit that this might be a trivial "pain"?
c) Seriously, it takes less than a minute while your sitting on the potty to check what hit your bank account each AM during a BM.
Feliz el Dia de Fiesta sin un Nombre!!

Most people know that they should not carry their social security cards in their wallet. Seniors often forget that their medicare cards have their social security number on it. you only need to present it when you visit a new doctor.

Deposit mail containing checks or bill payments in a regular USPS post box. Don't put it in your mail box with the red flag up for the post man. The red flag means steal me.

Thanks.
a) Check with your credit card co. to see if they offer an email alert for a charge showing by whom and amount, almost as soon as you use it. Mine through Chase, lets me set a threshold...$20, $3, $100, etc. if you don't want to "be bothered" by some, but hey, small theft-charges add up as well.
b) You can put a freeze on Credit Reports being issued. I.e. if you apply for new plastic, car loan, etc., you need to take the time to "unthaw" them, but how often are your seeking credit that this might be a trivial "pain"?
c) Seriously, it takes less than a minute while your sitting on the potty to check what hit your bank account each AM during a BM.
Feliz el Dia de Fiesta sin un Nombre!!

Great article, Bob!

Must comment about using the 'https:' on the websites. In theory, this should be a safe, secure site. In reality, there are 'phishing' websites that have the 'https:' and by NO means are they a safe, secure site!!!

I suggest reading Bob's article about programs, that help you 'guard' your computer, against Key-loggers (http://askbobrankin.com/how_to_defeat_a_keylogger.html). I started using Key Scrambler, due to this article. For me, this is just another method, to waylaying Identity Thieves. I have been impressed with Key Scrambler, it's just there, works and doesn't seem to take a lot of resources. Plus, it's FREE!

Bob has many, many articles in the archives, that gives common sense suggestions, to help any of us, secure our computers, to the best of our abilities. Can we achieve perfection? No. However, learning to protect yourself from the computer 'ills' of this world, is a definite start in the right direction.

I think this was a avaluable article. People need frequent reminders to be careful with their personal data.

Last week I received a letter from what appeared to be Direct TV, it mentioned my poor credit rating (actually 890) and asked me to send social security numbers, addresses for the last two years and other personal information.

My employer makes all of us get a refresher every year so I am some what familar with these scams.

This is an excellent article about prevention and I'm paying close attention to the tips. I'm a State Farm Insurance agent. We offer Identity Restoration coverage on our homeowners and renters policies for $25 a year. That is one fee for all relative members of the insured's household. This coverage is underwritten by Hartford Fire and Marine. If you have an identity theft, you are assigned to a specialist with Hartford who does most of the work of getting the mess cleaned up and helps you with what you must do. Since they do this all day every day they are really good at it. I've not used it nor had a client use it yet but I've had friends who, before this protection was available, spent hundreds of hours trying to clean up their credit...especially with department stores who are not so nice about removing the fraudulent charges or accounts. This won't prevent anything but it seems like a service like this would be a good backstop. I have the coverage on my policy. Check your own insurance to see if this is available. It is a lot less costly than many of the credit monitoring services. And, I think it is available in New York :-)

Put all your credit cards on a scanner or copy machine and make 3 photocopies of them. Write the 800 number under each. Keep in a locked place at home, or at work. I kept a copy with me too. When I had some cards stolen, I marked the ones taken and gave my copy to the police. I called my wife who got out the home copy and cancelled the cards. The police had the numbers on NCIC in minutes, and 15 minutes late, the thieves were stopped for a misdemeanor, but the cards were viable on the seat. They were arrested for felony theft.

Bob. have you heard of
identity theft deterrent.com

What is your opinion on their e book offer?