How Can I Protect Myself From Identity Theft?

Today identity theft has become an epidemic in the United States and all around the world. In a study done by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), everyone is at risk. If you are rich or poor, have good credit, bad credit, or no credit, upper class or lower class, single or married, you are who they are targeting for identity theft. Even more, if you think that you aren't a good target for identity thieves, you are the easiest target. It is estimated that well over ten million people have been affected in the United States alone.

So what can you do to protect yourself from this nightmare? The following are some things that you can do to greatly reduce the chance of becoming a victim of identity theft.

1. The next time you order checks have only your initials (instead of your first name) and last name put on them. If someone takes your checkbook, they will not know if you sign your checks with just your initials or your first name, but your bank will know how you sign your checks.
2. Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put "Photo ID Required".
3. When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the "For" line. Instead, just put the last four numbers of your account. The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your checks as it passes through all the check processing channels won't have access to it.
4. Put your work phone number on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a PO Box, use that instead of your home address. If you don't have a PO Box, use your work address. Never have your Social Security number printed on your checks. You can add it if it is necessary. But if you have it printed, anyone can get it.
5. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. Also, carry a photocopy of your passport when you travel.
6. Be aware of emails that try and get your personal information. These phishing schemes will have legitimate looking emails trying to get you to click on their link and enter your personal information. If you are not 100% sure that the email is authentic, call the creditor or institution and DO NOT CLICK on the email link.
7. When you are online and paying for an item that you wish to purchase, make sure that you are on a secure server. The address of the web site will start with https and not http. Also, the status bar on the bottom of the screen will show a closed padlock (if there is no status bar showing, you must select "view" on the top left of the page and select "status bar").
8. Always empty your mailbox by the end of the day and shred unwanted credit card offers. If you are going out of town, have the post office hold your mail until you get back.

If you do the following and are diligent and determined not to become a victim, you will have a much greater chance of avoiding identity theft.

Amit Bhuta
Real Estate Helper
Kendall Village Homes
(305) 439-3031
www.DadeCountyMLS.com