Fraud is a difficult issue to confine, much less prevent from happening altogether. Many forms of fraud are on the rise across the globe, most significantly identity theft and other forms of ID scams. Preventing identity fraud can be confusing. There are however, a few pro-active things that you can do which will significantly lower your risk.
Some simple preventative measures you can take are to check your credit report, shred documents that contain sensitive information, monitor all statements and do not give out personal information over the Internet or phone.
If you follow all of these procedures, you will lower your chance of becoming a victim of identity fraud.
By obtaining a copy of your credit report annually or twice each year, you are keeping informed on what activity is being reported under your name or social security number. Creditors do their best to verify a name to an address, but they can often report an erroneous credit card and it is the consumer's responsibility to make the correction.
Additionally, you want to ensure that all of your payments to your actual credit cards and loans are being credited to your account properly. You want to receive a positive credit report for your diligent payments. There are several reputable credit reporting agency. Experian and Equifax are among the most popular reporting agencies.
Another proactive measure is to monitor closely all of your loan, credit card and bank statements. Not only do you want to ensure that no one is using your account without permission, but you also want to make certain that the lender is crediting your account properly with your timely payments.
Making payments on time will increase your credit score and give you overall good standing with creditors. Monitoring your financial statements monthly will allow you to identify fraud immediately. Be sure to shred these documents when you no longer need them. Do not let them reach the trash with sensitive information still legible.
The easist way to avoid identity theft and not become a victim is by being very careful of what information you give out over the internet and phone. Do not give out any private information unless you know for certain who you are giving it to and what they will use it for.
Preventing identity fraud is up to you. Be proactive and you will reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim.
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