Five Tips for Identity Theft Protection

If you know someone who has been a victim of identity theft, you probably know what a huge hassle it is to repair your credit. I have a friend who is still dealing with the fallout from it and it's been over three years since it happened. She had no idea to to prevent thieves from getting her information. Unfortunately many people are oblivious to the risk and don't protect themselves. You don't want to wait until it's too late!

Here are five tips for identity theft protection:

1. Don't throw away anything with your information on it. Use a shredder to shred the information or burn it in the fireplace. Make sure you securely file documents like paystubs and completed tax forms. You don't want your social security number stolen.
2. Monitor your mail more closely. Most companies offer e-billing and e-payments. Your bank may also have online bill payments. By using a secure online connection, your bills (and account numbers) aren't laying around in your mailbox. Thieves love to go through mail.
3. Be careful with your passwords. Be creative, change them often, and use a combination of letters and numbers. You'd be surprised how many people have the password 12345!
4. Don't fall for phishing scams. If you "win a prize" that requires you to send money somewhere, it's no prize. Never give out your personal information to a stranger over the phone. Even if the high school glee club calls you to buy a coupon book, get a number to call them back. Make sure anything you buy online is on a secure SSL website.
5. Consider using a company like IdentityHawk that offers a comprehensive solution to protecting your identity. Their program benefits include social security number protection, $1 million identity theft insurance, identity health score, monitoring of your credit scores 24 hours and so much more. Identity theft protection is much smarter and easier than identity theft recovery! They'll help you identify the areas you may be at risk and show you how to be proactive to reduce risk. Start a free 30 day trial now! Safeguard your assets, your property, and your good name.