TIPS TO AVOID IDENTITY THEFT

Each year some 10 million Americans are victims of identity theft. Though the amount of damage can vary widely, the crime can haunt victims for years. There are several steps consumers can take to protect themselves. Many are common sense precautions, and all are based on the idea of being careful about your information. Here are tips on preventing or catching identity theft:

• Check your credit reports every year. Under federal law, you are entitled each year to see your three credit files, which are held by credit bureaus Experian, TransUnion and Equifax.




• Check your earnings statements. Reviewing this document can help red-flag labor related ID theft.




• Be wary of tax filing services. Tax refund identity theft is on the rise.




• Guard sensitive documents. Sensitive documents include credit card offers, Social Security information, driver's license information and medical information. Dispose carefully of anything you don't need. Consider shredding waste.




• Computer security. Strengthen your online passwords. Make sure your computer's anti-virus software is up to date.




• Clean your wallet. Try not to carry extra credit cards or other sensitive documents on a daily basis unless you really need them.




• Watch out for scams. They can take many forms, especially by telephone, email or through classified listing sites like Craigslist. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.




• Get a copy of your health care file. In case you are ever the victim of medical identity theft.

source:www.gosanangelo.com