How to Protect Your Identity

There are so many opportunities for consumers to purchase items, whether it is directly from a store or online, but with these conveniences come just as many opportunities for your identity to be stolen. For this reason it is essential that you shop in a way that does not open the door for others to steal your money and your identity. There are many ways in which you can protect your identity, and it doesn't take much extra time to implement them.

Steps:

1. Sign up for only a few credit cards so that it is easy to monitor them, and never just destroy a card you don't plan on using again. Make sure you actually close out the account.
   
   
2. Make sure that all online purchases are made through a reputable site that is safe and secure if you want to protect your personal finances. Such sites will post Trust-e symbol on their pages. All secure sites have URLs that begin with "[https" https"] and have a privacy policy. Additionally, you may want to reserve one particular credit card for online purchases so that you don't put more than one card at risk.
3. Purchase a shredder and make sure that you destroy everything you want to trash that has your personal finance information on it. This includes verified bank statements, bills, receipts, and pre-approval credit offers.
4. Make a habit of verifying your bank statements with your receipts before shredding the receipts. Staying abreast of your spending will allow you to spot and stop personal information fraud sooner than later.
5. Obtain a credit report annually so that you can check for discrepancies. Make sure all the information is yours, and if you do find something suspicious, get it cleared up immediately.
6. Mail all bills directly at the post office or post office box, rather than leaving it in your mailbox. Thieves have been known to check mail boxes indicating a pick-up request in search for credit and banking information such as payments and checks.
7. Update any changes of address immediately if you move, including all the credit card companies you use. You don't want your personal information going to your old address and possibly the wrong hands.
8. Secure your personal information by guarding your Social Security card and number, and disclosing it only when it is essential. If you are suspicious about why it is requested, don't be afraid to question it, and if you don't feel comfortable revealing certain information, don't.
9. Never release your Social Security, credit card, or bank account numbers over the phone, unless with a bank that you have contacted. If someone calls in, get their information and then call your bank back through your usual method or phone contact in order to verify that the request was legitimate.
   Source: www.wikihow.com