DIY Identity Theft Protection

Five Easy Steps to Preventing Identity Theft
Identity theft affected almost 10 million people in 2008. It happened to Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, so why couldn't it happen to you too?
Save yourself the nightmare. Try these quick ideas to protect yourself from identity theft.

1. Buy a paper shredder.
Shred all your junk mail and any documents, papers, letters, bills, or printouts that have any piece of information about you. Dumpster diving is a favorite pastime of identity thieves.
Cost: as low as $60

2. Lock your mailbox.
Don't give thieves a chance to go through your mail before you do. Get a locking mailbox or simply put a lock on your current box and give a copy of the key to the post office.
Cost: as low as $10

3. Cancel old credit cards.
If someone has your basic information, they can request a new card in your name. If you don't use it, cancel it!
Cost: FREE!

4. Don’t carry stuff with you.
Your PIN, Social Security card and credit cards that you don't use on a regular basis should never be on your person or in your wallet. Keep them in a safe place in case you lose your wallet or get robbed.
Cost: FREE!

5. Monitor your credit report.
Check your credit report yourself once a year, and buy a credit-monitoring service if you feel like being really thorough. If you catch something shady going on early on, the better off you'll be!
Cost: $0 and up

--This article originally appeared September 11, 2009 at www.visualeconomics.com.

« Previous | Home | Next »