Part 9 of Improving Credit Scores discusses the key areas in how to prevent and discourage Identity Theft.
This is done with the aim for better Credit Repair and enhancing your credit report scores.
Safeguard your Account and PIN numbers.
Whenever you write checks at the stores, be aware of peepers.
Cover your account and PIN numbers when using debit.
Never give away your PIN number to anyone, and that includes even your spouse as it becomes very difficult to clarify your discrepancies in disputes.
Never write your PIN and account numbers together, or store any of such information in your cell phone in case they fall into wrong parties.
Destroy All Pre-Approved Credit Card Applications.
Tear up any pre-approved credit card applications and enclosed letters before discard.
There have been cases where identity thieves actually rummage through your garbage in search for discarded credit cards, pre-approved credit applications documents, receipts of ATM transactions, and even scribbled PIN and account numbers.
Caveat Emptor And Read The Fine Print Please.
Credit card companies and some other companies tend to exploit the fine print in their contract or agreement to include hidden charges or that which allow them to retract offers.
So the next time you buy anything with terms and conditions included, remember to read the fine print.
Be Wary Or Ignore Unsolicited Ad Mails Or Telemarketing Calls.
Telemarketers are mostly legitimate, but beware of those from so called credit card companies which promise a card but charge your existing credit card without sending you anything.
More so with some direct mail companies which promise you certain service in return for your credit card details but disappear after you submit your details.
Clue for suspect to fly by night companies or shady ones are those mailers with a post box address.
Send Money Order instead of Checks.
Sending money order instead of checks or credit card information is safer as you could trace the monetary transaction and the recipients.
If The Offer Is Too Good To Be True, It Is.
The adage that there is no Free Lunch is most appropriate here.
It is a good habit to be extra cautious of offers that seem too good to be true.
There are tons of scams out there that offer you a 5 million dollar check but which you must put up a 5000 dollar for admin charges.
Or a free Hybrid car in return for your credit card details.
Scammers flourish when you react blinded by greed and excitement of the offer.
So do your research, verify the authenticity of the offer and you could even visit the company to see for yourself whether these companies actually exist.
Do not forget to run check with the Better Business Bureau.
The Mailman Is Never On Leave, Except On Strike.
Be especially alert if you find that there is sudden disruption in your mail service.
Unless you know that there is a union strike for post services recently, and if you have not received mail for some time, contact your local post office and ask whether your address was recently submitted for a change of address service.
Some identity thieves change your address at your local post office without your permission and route all your mail to a post box number, steal your personal information and assume your identity, thereby running up high debts and credits which you are not aware of.
Hence giving rise to your bad credit score.
Stay tuned for more on Improving Credit Scores.
And for more good reads on Credit Repair and Identity Theft Prevention, do visit my site.
This is done with the aim for better Credit Repair and enhancing your credit report scores.
Safeguard your Account and PIN numbers.
Whenever you write checks at the stores, be aware of peepers.
Cover your account and PIN numbers when using debit.
Never give away your PIN number to anyone, and that includes even your spouse as it becomes very difficult to clarify your discrepancies in disputes.
Never write your PIN and account numbers together, or store any of such information in your cell phone in case they fall into wrong parties.
Destroy All Pre-Approved Credit Card Applications.
Tear up any pre-approved credit card applications and enclosed letters before discard.
There have been cases where identity thieves actually rummage through your garbage in search for discarded credit cards, pre-approved credit applications documents, receipts of ATM transactions, and even scribbled PIN and account numbers.
Caveat Emptor And Read The Fine Print Please.
Credit card companies and some other companies tend to exploit the fine print in their contract or agreement to include hidden charges or that which allow them to retract offers.
So the next time you buy anything with terms and conditions included, remember to read the fine print.
Be Wary Or Ignore Unsolicited Ad Mails Or Telemarketing Calls.
Telemarketers are mostly legitimate, but beware of those from so called credit card companies which promise a card but charge your existing credit card without sending you anything.
More so with some direct mail companies which promise you certain service in return for your credit card details but disappear after you submit your details.
Clue for suspect to fly by night companies or shady ones are those mailers with a post box address.
Send Money Order instead of Checks.
Sending money order instead of checks or credit card information is safer as you could trace the monetary transaction and the recipients.
If The Offer Is Too Good To Be True, It Is.
The adage that there is no Free Lunch is most appropriate here.
It is a good habit to be extra cautious of offers that seem too good to be true.
There are tons of scams out there that offer you a 5 million dollar check but which you must put up a 5000 dollar for admin charges.
Or a free Hybrid car in return for your credit card details.
Scammers flourish when you react blinded by greed and excitement of the offer.
So do your research, verify the authenticity of the offer and you could even visit the company to see for yourself whether these companies actually exist.
Do not forget to run check with the Better Business Bureau.
The Mailman Is Never On Leave, Except On Strike.
Be especially alert if you find that there is sudden disruption in your mail service.
Unless you know that there is a union strike for post services recently, and if you have not received mail for some time, contact your local post office and ask whether your address was recently submitted for a change of address service.
Some identity thieves change your address at your local post office without your permission and route all your mail to a post box number, steal your personal information and assume your identity, thereby running up high debts and credits which you are not aware of.
Hence giving rise to your bad credit score.
Stay tuned for more on Improving Credit Scores.
And for more good reads on Credit Repair and Identity Theft Prevention, do visit my site.