10 Ways to Protect Your Identity

Identity theft is on the rise. Even with so many security checks and guards in place, savvy thieves are still managing to swipe information that can be used against you.

How can you protect yourself from identity theft? Here are 10 good ways to assure that only you keep your identity.

1. Never let your credit card out of your sight
   When you use your credit card to make a purchase, always keep it in sight. This is easy enough at a check register, but what about at restaurants? Many IDs have been stolen from credit card numbers used at restaurants. When you pay your bill, kindly tell your server that you must accompany him or her to the merchant station. A good server should always honor a privacy request.

2. Don’t sign your credit cards
   Do you sign your credit cards? Don’t! Rather, simply write “Please Check Photo ID” on the back of each credit card. That will assure that the checker verifies your ID and prevents the use of a stolen card.

3. Buy online only through secure servers
   When you make credit card purchases online, be sure that you only type your credit card info on a secure server. A secure server always has “HTTPS://” before the web address.

4. Review your credit report
   You are entitled to a free credit report from each of the reporting agencies every year. Use those free reports to verify all information at least yearly.

5. Buy credit protection
   Many companies offer credit protection and will monitor your credit reports for you. If you have excellent credit, this may be a good way to keep your score protected.

6. Hide your social security number
   Never carry your social security card with you. Keep it locked away in a safe place. Never give your social security number to just anyone who asks, including doctor’s offices. Use it only when you need to apply for a loan, other credit, or a job.

7. Don’t pay bills through the mail
   ID thieves are smart at stealing your mail. If you place a check in the mail, it could be used to make fraudulent purchases against your account. Pay bills online whenever possible. And when you order checks, request that you pick them up in person at your bank.

8. Monitor your accounts online
   Make a point to log onto your credit accounts online to monitor them. Check that all charges are accurate and report any fraudulent activity immediately.

9. Be swift in reporting fraud alerts
   When you are first aware of any fraudulent activity on your checking account, credit cards, etc., report it immediately to stop any further activity.

10. Freeze your credit reports
    If you suspect that your social security number has been stolen, you can freeze your credit reports for a fee. That means only companies that you give permission can request your report with a PIN or access code.

Protecting your identity is paramount in assuring a good credit score. Take every prudent measure you can to keep your ID safe.

Write to Grace Carter at grace@creditdonkey.com

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