Protect your good name suggestions for preventing identity theft

Protect your good name suggestions for preventing identity theft What is identity theft? The answer is that identity theft is a crime. Also known as identity fraud, identity theft, someone with the receipt and use of your personal information, such as name, address, telephone number, phone card or credit card number, maiden name of mother and number of Social Security, without your knowledge to your criminal often act.Most illegally using personal data to some form of fraud or financial fraud, typically for economic gain. Regardless of whether they buy something on credit card, the money from your bank account or a new credit in your name, the identity thief usually intends for goods and services on your behalf, and, ultimately, the design bill with you. As this happens without your knowledge, it is quite possible that, in the end, as thousands or even tens of thousands of U. S. Dollar against the crime is even discovered. Unlike your fingerprints, which are unique to you and therefore can not be someone else to use your personal data including your social security number, your bank or credit card number, the number of license guide, and other useful information can be used if they fall into the wrong hands, for personal profit at your expense.In the United States and Canada, for example, many thousands of people have reported that unauthorized persons have funds from bank accounts, or, in the worst cases, the identity of their total run of great crimes and debts, while using the victims' names and identification. In many of these cases, a victim of the losses are not only out-of-pocket financial losses, but substantial additional costs associated with efforts to restore its reputation in the community and correcting erroneous information that the prosecution is not responsible.Businesses immune to identity theft. When you apply for credit, a small business, you find a history of non-payment of bills - the debts of an identity thief first. For example, a company needs a loan can be a double surprise of denied boarding and of credit and leaing that can not get funding until it clears the accumulated debt of someone else.To reduce or minimize the risk become victims of identity theft and fraud, you must lea to be careful with your personal data. Many people do not realize how easily criminals can use our personal data without having to break into our house. In public places, for example, criminals in "shoulder surfing" can be seen from a nearby location like a punch in your telephone calling card or credit card number. You can also listen to the conversation partner when your credit card number over the phone at a hotel or rental car company.Even area near your home or office can not be sure. Some criminals "Dumpster diving" is through your garbage container or containers in the workplace - to get copies of checks, credit card or bank accounts or other documents, which usually bear the name, l ' address or telephone number. These types of records make it easier for criminals to maintain control over your accounts and assume that identity.In recent years, Inteet has become an attractive place for criminals to obtain identifying data, such as passwords or bank details. In their enthusiasm for the intriguing features of the Inteet, many people respond to "spam" - unsolicited e-mail - promise them benefits in retu for personal data. In some well-known and more recent incidents, the criminals have the technology for astronomical amounts of personal data of thousands of thousands of innocent victims.What you personally to prevent identity theft? To be stingy, personal data to third parties. Check your financial information regularly. From time to time to make a copy of your credit report. Keep accurate records of your bank accounts and securities. And to break or bu all documents that valuable personal information.Search Web for more information about one of America's fastest growing crime - identity theft. Not be the next victim! About the Author Larry Denton is a retired teacher who has taught history, 33 years at Hobson High in Hobson, Montana. He is currently V.P. Elfin of businesses, Inc., an Inteet that provide valuable information on a variety of topical issues. For a court room full of advice, resources and tips on identity theft, visit