Identity Theft Website

It is fairly common knowledge that the crime of identity theft has directly affected millions of people in the United States and around the world. It is such a prevalent problem that identity theft websites have popped up all over the Internet. They provide helpful information on how to prevent and recover from identity theft. Additionally, other services are offered through these sites to help prevent identity theft.

In most cases, an identity theft website offers information on preventing thieves from stealing your identity. Some of the advice offered is as follows:

1. Do not allow anyone to have access to your Social Security number. The only exceptions to this rule are your employer, your medical provider and your financial institution. Each of these entities requires it for identification purposes.

2. When creating passwords or pass codes, use a combination of letters and numbers that are not easily guessed. When creating your own PIN for your debit or credit card, never use common numbers such as your date of birth or the last four digits of your Social Security number.

3. Monitor your credit reports annually by requesting a report from each of the major credit bureaus. If you notice discrepancies, dispute them as quickly as possible.

4. No legitimate businesses will ever make an e-mail request for the username and password to your financial accounts. Likewise, no legitimate business will ever request your Social Security number through e-mail.

5. Use a crosscut shredder to shred all financial documents and documents that have any information related to your Social Security number or financial account numbers.

6. Never carry your Social Security card with you. Keep this document in a secure place such as a safe or safety deposit box.

7. Never keep your debit or credit card PINs in your purse or wallet. You should either memorize the numbers or keep them in a secure place.

These basic rules may seem cumbersome and hard to follow. In the end, it’s always better to follow them and be safe rather than sorry.