Effective ways to reduce your risk of identity theft.

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If identity thieves have your personal information, they can deplete your bank accounts, run up charges on your credit cards, open new utility accounts, or even get medical treatment on your health insurance.

Identity thieves are resourceful: they rummage through your garbage, the trash of businesses, or public dumps. They may work — or pretend to work — for legitimate companies, medical offices, clinics, pharmacies, or government agencies, or convince you to reveal personal information. Some thieves pretend to represent an institution you trust, and try to trick you into revealing personal information by email or phone.

The first step to prevent identity theft is awareness of how and when you use your personal information. By keeping close tabs on your personal information, you can significantly reduce your chances of becoming an identity theft victim. There are several effective ways to do this:
 

Store and dispose of your personal information securely, especially your Social Security number.  Do not routinely carry your Social Security card or documents with your SSN on it.

 

•Don’t give a business your Social Security number just because they ask – only when absolutely necessary.  Ask them why they need it.

•Protect your personal financial information at home and on your computer.

•Check your credit report annually.

•Check your Social Security Administration earnings statement annually.

•Use a firewall program on your computer, especially if you leave your computer connected to the Internet 24 hours a day.

•Do not download files sent to you by strangers or click on hyperlinks from people you do not know.

•Don’t give personal information over the phone, through the mail or the Internet unless you have either initiated the contact or are sure you know who is asking.

For more information on how to prevent Identity Theft, check out this link to the Federal Trade Commission’s web page on methods of keeping your personal information secure:

http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0272-how-keep-your-personal-information-secure
 

If you want assistance, legal representation, or just want to know more about Medvesky Law Office, LLC, check out our website at www.medveskylaw.com.