Six Tips to Help You Avoid Identity Theft

One of the most audacious modern imposters was Frank W. Abagnale.  If you have seen the film Catch Me If You Can¸ starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks, then you have seen the movie version of his early life.  He was born in Bronxville, New York, and began his life as a criminal by running up charges on his father's credit card.  At the age of 16, he ran away from home and began impersonating an airline pilot.  By doing extensive research at the public library, and asking a local pilot a few questions under the guise of a reporter for his high school’s newspaper, Abagnale was able to gather the necessary information to forge the documents needed to appear a full-fledged airline pilot.

After living lives as a doctor, a lawyer, and everything in between Abagnale was eventually arrested and served 14 years in prison in France, Sweden, and the United States.  Now he has dedicated his life to preventing forgery and works for the US Government.

Not all lives of crime end in a full recovery, and identity theft is not always a means to an end for a young man with big dreams.  In this information age, it is easier than ever for someone to steal your social security number; or illegally obtain your personal information.  How can you avoid it when it seems so simple?  Here are a few tips:

1. Keep your Social Security or Tax Identification Number under wraps.  It is the main target of criminals and the keep to credit reporting bureaus and opening phony bank accounts.
2. Shred all old bank account and credit card statements, and junk mail offers.
3. Add your name to the name-deletion lists of the Direct Marketing Association's Mail Preference Service and the Telephone Preference Service, which are used by banks and others.
4. Be wary of free offer sign-ups online.  Once your information is out there, you can never get it back.
5. Order your Social Security Earnings and Benefits Statement regularly to check for fraud.
6. Photocopy all-important items in your wallet, both sides, so you have the numbers and contact information incase your purse or wallet is stolen.

Using these helpful tips can minimize your risk of credit card fraud and identity theft.  A little common sense will not hurt either. Use money handling and credit reporting services you trust, and keep your sensitive information close at hand.

Jay has been interested in family, finance and health issues for many years now. Please visit his latest website about how to find the best Cheap Dog Kennels and also a Chain Link Dog Kennel as well as information, tips and pricing on all types of other dog kennels.