How Can I Protect Myself from Credit Identity Theft?

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• Learn about credit identity theft. You can check credit score identity theft issues and publications at your local law enforcement agency. Most police stations have plenty of advice and information about identity theft and are happy to pass on the facts to the public. Also, your local law enforcement agency may be able to tell you which schemes are particularly prevalent in your area, so that you know what to watch out for.
• Check your credit reports and scores often. If you check credit score identity theft possibilities often by checking your credit report, you will not be unpleasantly surprised. Once a year, get the free credit report you are entitled to by law. Look it over carefully and immediately report any new unfamiliar accounts or any errors
• Keep a reasonable amount of accounts. This will make it easier for you to carefully monitor all your accounts each month for unfamiliar activity. If you notice any new charges that you did not make, report them at once.
• Shred or destroy private information before discarding. Even unsolicited mail that contains your private information can be used by criminals.
• Only give personal information to companies you trust. Information such as credit card numbers, your Social Insurance number, and other important information should only be given when necessary - and only when you are sure that the information will not be misused.
• Get extra security features on your credit cards and other accounts. Many credit card companies and banks are just as concerned about credit identity theft as customers and they create a number of services and products that can help keep your money safe.
• Watch where you store private information and credit cards. Keep your ID, credit cards, and other private documents well stowed. Do not leave your ID somewhere where others can see it. Once you use your ID or credit card, immediately put it away.
• Never give out personal information via email, chat, or forums. These web communications can be seen by online criminals quite easily. When sending private information online, you should always make sure that you only use a web page with a secure server. Most browsers will indicate when you are on a secure page.

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