Identity Theft: How to Lower Your Chances of Becoming a Statistic

Let me start out by saying that you can NOT eliminate your risk for becoming a target for identity theft, you can only lower your chances through quality information and education.

This article is merely designed to show you what things to look for that can be potentially robbing you blind that most are completely oblivious to. There are ways to guard against this type of abuse, fraud, theft, etc. you just have to know what to do to protect yourself against these manipulative and sometimes vicious attacks.

Identity Theft: Your Information

All information should be on a need to know basis and no one 'needs' to know. Of course there will be times when you need to verify who you are in order from the bank, DMV, or other such institution to know that you are the person they are talking to. But this should only happen when YOU call THEM. If your bank, the DMV, your credit card company etc. calls you to 'verify' your billing information, update their files etc. simply tell them "I'm sorry, I am so busy right now I'll call you right back." And hang up promptly; do not wait for them to say a word. Then call the facility back and tell them what happened if by any small chance it was legit they will applaud your reaction and change the way they handle their business. On the other hand, if they say that no such call would've come from them then you just saved yourself a nightmare you wouldn't want to even conceive.

Many con artists will say that they need your social security number for confirmation on a delivery or service- they may tell you that you will get into trouble if you don't supply them with this information.... This is a scam!!! Don't fall for it. Ask questions such as: Who do you work for? Why would you need this information? Once you get a business name hang up immediately and call the company and ask if they need that info- DO NOT call a number that they have supplied you with! By finding (either in your phone book or online) a business number and calling them directly you are making absolutely sure that the call was legit.

Identity Theft: Ways You can be Targeted