subject: A Quick Guide To Personal Information Management [print this page] Yes, it is a bit nerve wracking when you hear all of the horror stories about online credit card scams and personal identity thefts, and embezzlers and bamboozlers all around the globe. But you will never have to be affected one bit if you can follow some very simple advice. Here, then, is a look at personal information management.
Simply put, to mange your identity is to hide your identity, This includes anything that even hints as to your real name, your home address or telephone number, your banking info, and on an on. Even those discarded receipts and utility bills can be rife with your stuff, so watch out for them and use a shredder.
But begin with the most important first, and that is your Social Security card. This little nine digit number is the passport to everything else you have. The data afforded by this information is vast and you need to protect it as best you can. Now, you do not need to carry this card with you in your wallet or purse, so simply keep it at home in a safe place.
Your license you will need to drive legally, so that needs to stay with you. However, do not use it as identification unless you absolutely must. Of course, law enforcement officials will need it on occasion, but very few others will. Some will need it for check cashing, but if you will switch to a check card you can avoid this hassle. Keep it with you, yes, but keep it put away as much as you can.
In fact, go with the plastic routine as much as you can. Credit cards are not carrying very much information about you at all; they are just a bunch of numbers. Regarding these fantastic plastic jobs, numbers here are your best friend. You knew when you received the new card that you would get an ID number, right? Use it, and do not change all of your cards to the same, easy to remember, cute number. Use different ones all of the time, and do not write them down. Memorize them all, and then memorize them again. These ideas are suggested by the banks for a very good reason.
As for sharing information online, with anybody or anything, simply do not do it. Especially if you are uncomfortable with electronic shopping and bill paying, do not do it. If you do like taking car of business online, great! It really is fast, safe, and easy. Just stick with protected sites that you trust and you will be fine.
The major point to be understood here is that to protect yourself you must hide yourself. A personal information management system is simply a way to keep your private info private. Do not share with strangers, and do not lurk in dark alleyways. Be private to be secure, it is as simple as that.
