Identity thieves are constantly out there looking to procure a person's hard
earned money. Many commercial figures, sports players, singers have been victims
to identity theft. No one can simply run away from this fact. What a person
can do is to reduce his chances of getting caught in this terrible menace. Here
are some points that you must remember to keep your personal information safe.

Protect your Social Security

First of all you should not carry your social security number, your passport or birth certificate with you. These papers include all information about you that an identity thief needs. For a record make photo copies of these documents as well. Secondly, many companies may ask for social security number for a number of reasons. You must not give it to them unless you know the company is a reputable one. Make sure you are sitting in their office when doing so not on telephone.

Protect your keywords

When you get your ATM card you are given a pin number to access it. Plus you give a password to prove your identity when you make any inquiry at the bank, for instance activating the ATM card for the first time. Either remember them or keep them in a secure place.

Protect your checks and deposit slips

When you write checks, don't put information on them besides your name and address. Write a check in a place where no body is around you. People can memorize things during the time you are writing them. The bank must not send you new checks at home. Mail theft is a huge factor in overall identity theft cases. You should pick them form the bank in person. You should also tell the bank not to write your social security number on any personal checks.



Just like checks, you must protect your deposit slips. They have your name, address, account number written on them. Incase, a thief gets your deposit slip, he will write a bad check, deposit in your account and then use the line "less cash received" to get money out of your account. You can also signup for automatic payroll deposit.

Protect your information

Nearly 70% of the people respond to the phone calls they receive by providing tem their personal information. These phone calls are form scams representing some companies that say they are carrying out a survey, want to provide you some financial services or update your account. Don't listen to them and simply hang up. The best thing to do here is to call the company they are representing and you will find out the truth.

Protect the pre-approved card offers

Pre-approved cards come in everybody's mail. These cards are widely used by thieves to take advantage of people. When you are disposing them off, don't just throw them in the garbage, instead cut them in pieces and shred any document attached.


Similarly shred any document that has your personal information on it before
you throw it away. Dumpster divers are always in pursue of a person disposed
off bills, old credit reports
etc.