subject: Taking The Right Steps To Prevent Identity Theft [print this page]
Identity theft is a growing problem throughout the world with an increasing number of criminal identity theft cases. In both cases someone else is held responsible for a criminal action either in a financial or criminal action. Making reports to the police are the only way we can begin to put an end to these cases of fraud.
Reporting Theft of a Credit Card
Reporting credit card theft is a step in the right direction in the reduction of the incidents of this crime. However, you need to go beyond just reporting the theft to the credit card issuer; you need to also report it to your local police. While you will certainly report it to your credit card issuer, they may not necessarily report it to the police on your behalf. Even though they will not hold you responsible for those charges, they usually only report it to the police if it involves a large amount of money. You need to protect yourself and do your part to help reduce the number of thefts that occur.
Preventing Identity Theft
While identity theft is an ongoing and growing problem, there are steps to prevent identity theft that each person should utilize. Some of the things individuals can do to prevent identity theft include the following:
Protecting your personal information from those who have no need to have it
Keeping a close eye on your credit card and bank statements
Avoiding using your credit card in stores that take it into a room out of your sight to process your payment
Only use secure sites for making purchases or payments
Always make sure you know where your credit card is so you can report its theft or loss as soon as possible
Do not take your social security card with you unless you have a need to have it on a particular errand
Only take the credit cards and checks you need for a shopping tripleave the others locked up at home
Make sure your mailbox has a lock and key to prevent theft of personal information and/or credit cards from your mailbox
These are a few of the most important steps to use for preventing identity theft. For more details and additional steps visit our website at Legal-Yogi.
Paying for Protection
Is it essential to apply for credit card identity theft protection? Many credit card companies offer this protection at minimal cost, but you may choose not to take it. While its not mandatory, you may feel safer if you have it. However, even if you choose this additional protection you want to make sure you also follow the other steps in order to protect your identity from thieves.
There is a serious increase in the numbers of both identity theft and criminal identity theft cases. While both are criminal in nature, the criminal variety involves using someone elses name in the commission of a crime outside of theft of ones personal information. One of the deterrents to this serious crime is being consistent about reporting credit card theft to the police instead of just your credit card issuer. You also want to take steps to prevent identity theft and maybe even think about purchasing credit card protection.
