Preventing identity theft
Identity theft can happen to anyone. It can occur while you’re at work or while you are at home. Here are a few ways you can prevent becoming a victim of identity theft.
1. Be careful when talking on the phone. Never give out personal information, such as your social security number, over the phone.
2. Protect your social security number. To keep your social security number safe, leave your SS card in a safe place. Your doctor and employer are perhaps the only people who need to know your SS number.
3. Use a shredder. Shredding personal documents or mail is essential if you want to prevent identity theft. Unbeknownst to many people, throwing your personal documents in the trash can be beneficial to identity thieves.
4. Keep your personal information to yourself. Don’t give out your personal information to strangers. Your neighbors, store cashiers and even your spouse’s relatives should be considered “strangers” in this aspect. You can never be too careful when it comes to protecting your identity.
5. Install virus protection on your computer. If you shop online, installing a firewall and virus protection program is essential if you want to keep your personal information protected.