7 Easy Tips On Identity Theft Protection

It's official: identity theft is on the rise. So much so, it has now become one of the fastest growing crimes of this decade!

How can I protect myself from it? Well, here are 7 effective tips on identity theft protection that'll help you avoid being an easy victim to an identity thief:

* Tip #1:- Make sure you protect your SSN
Never carry around your social security card in your purse or wallet, because you never know when you might end up losing them. You could also get mugged, and then wake up to find your SS card missing. Also, do not write your social security number on a slip of paper or on a check.

* Tip #2:- Look out for your US postal mail
There've been many instances where identity theft crimes have been committed by snatching people's content from their mail boxes, before they got home. So, to avoid this from happening, be sure to take in your mail as soon as it arrives...or you could also have your mail forwarded to a special PO box at Mailbox USA.

* Tip #3:- Keep your credit card safe
It sure seems convenient to let the clerk at the sports store take your card into the backroom, in order to process your credit card....instead of you doing it yourself, right? Or handing over your credit card to the waiter/waitress at an eatery, so they can charge you for that sumptious meal.

But you need to keep in mind that there's an element of risk in letting your credit card out of your sight. Listen, how can you be sure they aren't just skimming, but extracting super confidential info from it, instead?

That's why experts say it's always better to opt for cash - it's much much safer than paying by your credit card. This is also one of the most popular identity theft protection tips, since identity theft is almost synonymous with credit cards.

* Tip #4:- Destroy all of your private documents!
It's a good idea to get rid of all your confidential statements and documents when you no longer need them. If they are still lying around and identity thieves gain access to them, things can get pretty messy for you. (And this is something you don't want happening, right?) So....get rid of unwanted forms, credit card solicitations - anything you feel that won't be needed anymore. And oh, if you're worried over an IRS audit, you needn't keep records for more than 7 years.

* Tip #5:- Take off your name form telemarketing lists
You can easily add your personal phone number to the national 'do not call' registry, by simply ringing up 1-888-382-1222, which by the way, is toll-free.

* Tip #6:- Always take time to thoroughly review your credit card statements
Have you ever seen the way some folks out there scrutinize each of their credit card statements? Well, you should follow suit, because it'll definitely protect you from identity theft! If you do not recognize a transaction, call your credit card company immediately.

* Tip #7:- Do not leave a trail of receipts behind
Whenever you happen to head over to those automated gas pumps at the gas station, or the ATM machine, you want to remember to not only take the receipt with you, but also, to destroy it once you get back home!

Well, there you have it - 7 easy tips on identity theft protection that'll help you avoid becoming an innocent victim!