Part II: Protecting Yourself
Now, let’s look at proactive steps you can take to protect yourself and your family.
In the real world
- Purchase a quality crosscut paper shredder to dispose of ALL financial records no longer needed. Also shred offers for credit cards, utility bills and unsolicited mortgage loan applications.
- Retain all credit and debit card receipts and compare them to your monthly statements. Shred them afterwards.
- Mail bill payments and other financial mail at the post office or through a USPS drop box. Don’t let mail pile up at home; if you’re going away, stop delivery through the postal service or have a friend/neighbor collect it daily. Call 888.5.OPT.OUT to stop pre-approved credit card offers.
Never divulge personal financial information over the phone.- Never access or discuss financial institution or credit card information when using cellular or cordless phones. This includes automated keypad access systems.
- Monitor your credit report several times a year in order to spot illegal activity. Report any suspicious activity to all three credit reporting bureaus. You can get a FREE report every year from each of the three bureaus at www.annualcreditreport.com or by calling 877.322.8228.
- If you've been victimized, consider paying $10 to each credit bureau to freeze your credit. Even if a thief already has your personal information, a security freeze will stop the credit company from accessing your credit, stopping new credit from being created in your name.
