Tips On Protecting Your Identity This Holiday Season

There are dangers of identity theft and understanding this is crucial especially with the holiday spending season fast approaching

. Despite the many methods thieves use to steal identities, there are still some measures that can be taken to protect yourself from threats of identity thieves.

Protect Your Credit Card Number From Prying Eyes

When making purchases with your credit or debit card, make sure that only the last 4 digits of your card number are shown on the receipt. Unknown are the first 12 digits and they're usually replaced by Xs. If they aren't, by law you are permitted to mark out the first 12 digits on the merchants copy with a pen.

It is especially important that you check your credit card receipt at restaurants. Don't leave the restaurant's copy on the table after your meal if all 16 digits are shown. When you've crossed out the first 12 digits, it's better if you personally hand it to the wait staff. Otherwise, you risk an identity thief walking away with your name, account number, and quite possibly your card's expiration date.

Avoid Using Your Social Security Number Unless it's Absolutely Necessary

Although you need your social security number when you apply for a credit or open a bank account, you don't need to use it in any other circumstances. Although not that common nowadays, some stores and organizations may want to use your SSN as an ID number within their system. This practice may be discouraged by law, but there are still times when you'll run across it. Use your judgement in these situations. If you're feeling uncomfortable, then ask for an alternative.

Your Trash is Treasure to an Identity Thief

If you want to protect your identity, a good paper shredder may be your most important investment. Identity thieves will go through your trash just so they can obtain personal information to obtain your credit. Shred anything and everything that has personal information, such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, dates of birth, phone numbers, etc. Doing this at home would be a good idea. But if you prefer, you can also do this at work.

During the holiday season, we enjoy shopping for our family and friends. But it's imperative that we protect our financial futures with every swipe of our credit cards because identity thieves pose many dangerous threats.

by: Jesse Smith.

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