The Risk of Identity Theft with Credit Cards and How You Can Stop It

Federal and state law enforcement agencies are finally starting to take the problem of identity theft more seriously

. However, the problem has become so common, thieves more sophisticated, and budgets so sparse, that it is hard to hold the criminals accountable. More and more it is up to individuals to avoid identity theft by vigilantly protecting their own credit card information.

Here are some classic methods thieves employ to illegally obtain confidential credit card information from you:

Snatching credit offers from your trash or mail

Submitting a change of address to reroute your mail

Posing as a creditor and requesting a copy of your credit report

Stealing your wallet or mail

Digging through your trash

Breach of security on a computer that contains your credit data

Phony telemarketing schemes designed to solicit your information

Stolen by a desperate or vindictive relative, colleague, or salesperson

Bought and sold through internet clearing houses

Having your credit card information lost or stolen can have serious and long lasting consequences. A criminal can obtain a loan, open credit accounts, rent an apartment, buy a car, or commit even more serious crimes - all in your name. Even though consumers are usually limited to a $50. liability in the case of unauthorized credit card use, this might be the least of your worries.

You could spend months trying to clear your name and dealing with the fallout from compromised credit card information. Victims of identify theft suffer seemingly endless months of stress and anxiety from dealing with unresponsive credit bureaus, dismissive government agencies, disbelieving creditors, and even hostile collection agencies. All this can be extremely unsettling and have long lasting physical and emotional effects.

Your best defense is a great offense as they say. You must constantly guard your personal and credit card information and be alert to signs that your identity has been compromised. Ask how your information will be used and kept secure every time you're asked to divulge it.

Opt out of sharing your personal information and receiving unsolicited offers whenever possible. Provide the minimum information necessary when making internet transactions and then only to secure sites. Put a lock on your mailbox and shred all sensitive data before putting it in the trash. Only carry one credit card in your wallet. These are just a few steps you can take to keep your information from being passed around.

If you find you have become victim of identity theft quick action is essential to minimize the potential damage. Consumers today must constantly be vigilant in guarding their personal information and immediately take offensive action when they become aware their private information has been compromised.

The Risk of Identity Theft with Credit Cards and How You Can Stop It

By: Mark Andrade

POST COMMENT

Factors To Consider When Applying For Bad Credit Loan Encino Bad Credit Loans - A Perfect Financial Fix For Your Upsetting Credit Score Bad Credit Loans: Hopes Are Still There Bad Credit Same Day Loans - Avail Trouble Free Finance For Use Till Next Salary Loans For People With Bad Credit Fiscal Help For Monetary Weak People Bad Credit Loans - No Need To Fear! Bad Credit Unemployed Loans: End Financial Worries Smartly Three Reasons You Should Check Your Experian, Equifax, Transunion Credit Reports And Scores Regularl Greatest Low Interest Rate Credit Cards - Help Save Dollars Every Single Month Of The Year No More Worries While Shopping with Pre Paid Credit Cards No Credit Check Loans - Saviour In Times Of Crisis! The Best Way To Deal With Credit Card Debt Payday Loans No Credit Checks: Funds Before Payday With No Credit Check