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Prevention is the best medicine for "Identity Theft". Here
are some helpful tips on avoiding Identify Theft:
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- Protect your mail at home and at work
- Secure your financial statements in your home
- Shred old bank statements, financial records, credit-card receipts,
tax documents and anything else that could be used to impersonate you.
That includes all credit card offers containing your personal information
- Protect your Social Security Number - avoid giving it out whenever
possible
- Keep an eye on bank and credit card activity for any suspicious items
that may be the tip-off that your ID has been stolen
- Be careful when shopping on-line, always use reputable merchants
with a significant history
However, if your credit identity has been stolen or compromised
you'll want to report it as quickly as possible to the Police and the credit agencies.
Here are the phone numbers for the major credit reporting companies:
- Equifax (800) 525-6285
- Experian (888) 397-3742
- TransUnion (800) 680-7289
Here are some useful links on identity
theft:
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