FARUKI

You may be asking yourself, “Why do I have to protect myself against identity theft?” Everyone is a potential victim of identity fraud, and if rates continue to rise, soon everyone will know at least one person who has been a victim of identity theft. This is the sad truth of the world today. Protecting yourself against identity theft just makes sense.

While it can make managing finances easier, getting bills and bank statements by mail does put you at risk of identity theft. Getting pre-approve offers in the mail is a sign that companies are taking notice of your impressive credit rating but they may not be the only ones taking notice. But just because you receive an offer on official looking letterhead doesn’t mean that it is legitimate and may simply be an excuse to obtain your personal information.

The best way to minimize this danger and prevent identity theft from happening to you is to keep a close eye on the routine times your bills are mailed, as well as minimize the amount of information you receive in the mail. However, knowledge of the kinds of information that come from the postal worker is the best weapon against Identity Theft.

Many common bills that you receive - utilities, telephone, regular credit card statement - usually have your contact details displayed on them. This is the kind of information that an identity theif looks for.

Bank statements, pre-approved credit card offers and paycheck stubs are all gold-mines of information for criminals to turn you into a victim of identity theft.

These seemingly harmless pieces of paper usually contain your name, address, account number, bank name and location. On some pay stubs, your employer may even include your social security number. Take care of these sensitive documents: shred them to help defend yourself against identity theft.

Thieves even go as far as digging through your trash — a practice called “Dumpster Diving” — to get that one little piece of information that could turn you into a victim of identity theft.

Thieves root through garbage to get the information they want — and their habits have been nicknamed “Dumpster Diving” by those trying to prevent identity theft. Make sure that when you throw out your trash, all people can find in your garbage are scraps of food — and not your personal information.