subject: How To Stop Identity Theft Dead In Its Tracks [print this page] Identity theft is definitely not a game and is something that you need to be concerned about if you're planning on applying for credit in the near future. The bottom line is that identity theft is a growing crime and you need to do whatever it takes to protect your information from the people out there. If you want to know how to prevent identity theft before it even happens to you, then you have come to the right place.
Inside of this article, you will learn 3 things that you can do to safeguard and protect your identity from thieves. All of these tips are things that I use myself to protect my identity, so you can lay rest assured that they will work for you also. Here's the first thing that you can do to prevent identity theft from happening to you.
1) Be careful with your information
Even if you knew nothing about identity theft, this should be a no-brainer for you. You can't be careless with your information because this is the easiest way for hackers and thieves to compromise your information. This usually happens online alot where users aren't careful with your information. Even if you're applying for a job online that requires your social security number, you should be cautious about how you use your information.
Be sure to make good calls about who wants your information. If you personally are applying for a loan, then they may need your information. If you're trying to get an apartment, then they need your information. And sometimes jobs will require your social security number, but you have to make the decision as to whether or not it's the right thing for you to do.
Don't make bad decisions with your information. Be sure to use your information sparingly and be careful where you use it online.
2) Sign up to fraud alerts
Fraud alerts tell you when any dangerous activity is going on with your credit file. You need a fraud alert so that you can stay on top of things if someone is trying to access your credit information. You can sign up with fraud alerts by going to the credit bureaus, or by using a company such as Lifelock.com. This isn't the number 1 way to protect your identity, but it's a good start in the right direction. Here's the best way to protect your identity.
3) Security freeze
When you go with a security freeze, you lock down your credit file. Only your current lenders can get access to your information, and when someone tries to open up credit in your name, they will be greeted with a message that says that your information has a security freeze on it. This is the best way to go in my opinion.
Some people feel security freezes are such a drastic step but it's really just another way to protect your good name. If a fraud alert doesn't give you the piece of mind that you're looking for, consider getting a security freeze. You can lift it anytime you want, and it's excellent for protecting your identity.
All 3 of these steps for securing your good name will help you to prevent identity theft before it happens.
Be sure to start following them today to get the maximum security you need in regards to your credit.
