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8 Steps That Can Help You Protect Your Personal Identity And Financial Information From Fraud

Financial fraud and identity fraud are one ofthey need your account information or credit
the fasted growing forms of fraud. The firstcard number to update your account with your
line of defense to protecting yourself beginsbank or an online company like e-bay. Never
with you. Here are some steps you can take togive out personal information over e-mail!
help you protect and fight against financialMany times these e-mails will have links for
and  identity  fraud.you to click on that take you to a website
that looks authentic. However more times than
1. Review and Protect Your Information - Thenot, it is a scam to get your personal and
first line of defense in financial fraud isfinancial  information.
to periodically check your credit report to
ensure all your information is accurate.5. Monthly Bills - If your monthly bills stop
Remember there are three credit agenciesarriving, take action quickly. Notify the
(Equifax, TransUnion, Experian) which allcompany right away. Also, review your monthly
operate independently. Make sure you checkstatements promptly and if you see charges or
your credit report from all three becauseitems on your bills that you do not recognize
they  may  each  have  different information.get  them  resolved  immediately.
2. Social Security Number - Keep your social6. Incoming / Outgoing Mail - Pick up
security number in a safe place with otherincoming mail promptly and do not send
financial documents. DO NOT carry your socialoutgoing mail in your residential mail box.
security card in your wallet and remember toMake every effort to keep your mail as
shred your old social security statements. Itsecurely as possible when it leaves your
is also recommended to not store your socialhouse.
security number on your computer as hackers
may have access to it. Never print your7. Age Matters - If you are over the age of
social security number on your checks, credit50 you are more likely to be targeted for
card  or  drivers  licenses.financial fraud. Therefore, keep this in the
back of your mind as you handle your daily
3. Destroy Credit Card Mail Offers and Oldtasks  and  personal  information.
Financial Documents -If you receive direct or
pre-approved solicitations in the mail for8. Credit Cards / ATMs - Report lost or
new credit cards and do not use them makestolen credit cards and ATM cards
sure you shred or tear them up beforeimmediately. Be sure to carry the 1-800
throwing them away. In addition, shred allnumbers of your bank and credit card company
financial papers including cancelled checks,in  your  wallet.
old bank account statements, or any document
with  your  identity.Most analysts forecast financial fraud and
identity thief to cause financial loss to
4. Watch Out For E-mail or Telephonehundreds of thousands people in the next five
Fraudsters - Never give your personal oryears and beyond. While fraudsters are very
financial information out on the internet orslick and you can never be 100% safe the
phone unless you initiated the contact. Thissteps above can assist in you significantly
is especially true with giving out yourdeterring yourself and family from being a
social security or credit card number. Watchvictim.
out for e-mails from fraudsters that state



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