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Preventing Identity Theft
Identity theft is America's fastest growing crime. According to Javelin Strategy and Research, a firm dedicated to researching financial service topics, nearly 8.4 million people in 2007 were the victims of identity theft -- totaling $49.3 billion in fraudulent charges.
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Charles Baudelaire, French poet, critic and translator, 1821-1867 | |
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The study also cited that the average victim spends at least 25 hours trying to resolve the issue.
Fortunately, you can take steps to lower your chances of being an identity theft victim. This week Promotional Consultant Today will be looking at guidelines you can follow to help prevent identity theft.
Lighten Your Wallet
Reduce the number of credit cards you carry on a daily basis. For most people, having one card in their wallet is sufficient for day-to-day activity.
If you are traveling or making a big purchase, you can take other credit cards, as needed.
Never carry your birth certificate, passport, or social security card with you unless you need it for travel or other purposes. Once the need is over, promptly remove the item from your wallet or purse and store the document in a safe place.
Finally, keep a record of all your credit card numbers and the company's phone number should you need to report a theft.
Shred Unneeded Documents And Mail
Buy a high quality shredder that does cross-shredding -- this will give you the most protection.
After you get your mail for the day, be sure to open every envelope, even if you think it's junk mail. Decide which items you're going to save and file and which you're going to discard.
Before throwing anything away, check it for personal or financial information. Be sure to shred any garbage mail that includes account numbers or personal information.
Also, remember to shred unused checks or deposit forms, as well as store and ATM receipts.
Tomorrow we'll look at guarding your personal information and protecting your computer.
--Source: Douglas Charney, senior vice president Investments with Wachovia Securities in Harrisburg, PA. Wachovia Securities, LLC, Member NYSE & SIPC, is a separate nonblank affiliate of Wachovia Corporation C2007 Wachovia Securities, LLC. | |
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Copyright 2005-2007 Promotional Consultant Today. All Rights Reserved. |
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