'What are the steps toward protecting yourself from identity thirf?'

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zoya from middle of america -

For all the people who have much experience in this area. Would you guys care to make a list of steps that you do in order to protect your identity from being snatched and used? This could be helpful for people who are as clueless as me. Thanks!

Comment #1 PokerPrincess (1) from Earth -

Well I don't know if I can list them all but here are a few:

Bank Cards: Do not loan your bank cards to anyone or let anyone know your PIN numbers and make sure when you use them for banking or purchasing that you "hide" the keys that you are pushing when you insert your PIN number and also DO NOT ALLOW THE CLERK TO KEEP YOUR CARD in their hands while you are doing this. It is not a credit card so there is no reason for them to have it as they keep the credit cards to check your signature. Also if they keep it they can hold it with the number up in case there is a hidden camera around;

Credit Cards: DO NOT ALLOW ANYONE ELSE TO USE YOUR CREDIT CARDS. Do not give your credit card number over the telephone or the internet unless YOU HAVE CALLED or CONNECTED them yourself. As in "Hello, this is the "Local Newspaper" would you like a subscription? All we need is your credit card number and you will get delivery starting Monday." Tell them to take a hike.

Surveys: Do not give out any personal information such as Total Income, Bank Account Numbers, Credit Card Numbers, SSN or SIN;

IN GENERAL just be very careful who and where you are giving out information to or for what. If you feel you want to give it over the phone and you haven't called them, they have called you then request proof of identification such as a phone number and then check online for the phone number and what it is connected to... as in Canada go to wwww.Canada411.com and put in the phone number. Call that number to find out if they are doing "offers". Then if it is legit you can call them back for whatever offer they have given you.

Comment #2 Sweetnexx from Earth, the Universe -

That is a very good list. The best part is about hiding the PIN number as you are punching it into the ATM or at a store. You never know where these camera's are. ALSO... at ATM's they have developed a plastic insert they put in the card slot and you cannot tell it is there. After you have completed your banking and walk away or drive away from a drive through they will come and take out the insert which shows the imprint of your card and your pin number. Then they insert another one for the next victim.

So before you insert your card into an ATM just check around the rim of the card slot and see if there is anything that is not smoothe feeling and try to pick it out. If you find anything, there is a telephone number usually listed for emergencies and you should call it immediately and DO NOT INSERT YOUR CARD.

Comment #3 zoya from middle of america -

Wow sweetnexx, i never knew about the plastic instert thing before! Thanks for adding that. I'll have to start doing that whenever I want to use an ATM machine!!! Also PokerPrincess, thanks for all the wonderful information you provided! I am already very suspicious about sharing my PIN number, even my boyfriend doesn't know. Nobody but I do really. I just have heard too many stories about significant others going crazy and taking all money out for whatever reasons.. or children and so on. Or even just to steal an extra 10 bucks, that's still wrong.

Anyway thanks everybody! Also if anybody has any other things that they think should be added, please do pitch away :)

Comment #4 Freddy (63.176.159.155) -

yeah i never know about the different ways that people can steal identity.. that is some useful info.. thank you!

Comment #5 Homer (63.176.159.29) -

Here are the Top Ten tips to prevent identity theft..

1. Watch for shoulder-surfers.

2. Require photo ID verification.

3. Shred everything.

4. Destroy digital data.

5. Be diligent about checking statements.

6. Pay your bills at the post office.

7. Limit the information on your checks.

8. Analyze your credit report annually.

9. Protect your Social Security number.

10. Caveat Emptor.

Refer on the link below for the tip explanations.

• netsecurity.about.com/od/newsandeditorial1/a/aaidenttheft_2.htm

Comment #6 George from Montana -

Really? How about these

1) Hide in a cave

2) Don't participate in society

3) Don't buy anything

4) Don't earn money

5) Don't borrow money

6) Don't loan money

7) Don't have a credit history

8) If you have a credit history, make sure it is terrible

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