In the digital age, one of the biggest threats to your personal safety is identity theft. A complete stranger here or on the other side of the planet can take just a few pieces of information about you, and destroy your credit for their personal gain.This guide will tell you ways that your information can be stolen and how to prevent it from happening.More Identity Theft Prevention Methods

Check Your Credit Score and Reports

If you don’t already, You need to make sure you are checking your credit score and report at least once a year. While there are other circumstances when you should check your score, you need to at least check once every twelve months. These credit report scans can allow you to see any unauthorized activity registered under your name.By checking your score more frequently, you can potentially catch fraudulent activity faster, which could prevent future theft and lead to the arrest of your identity thief.Keep Your Social Security Number PrivateYour Social Security Number is the magic password that can grant access to all of your personal and financial information. For this reason, you should be very careful about who you share it with.Never keep your Social Security card in your purse or wallet. If your wallet is misplaced or stolen, the thief won’t just have your credit cards and ID, but your Social Security Number as well.Also be careful about who you give your Social Security Number to over the phone. If a business asks for your Social Security Number, normally you can request to give them another identification number, such as a driver’s license number. Any time you are asked by a government agency for your social security number, there has to be a privacy agreement, so keep your eyes open.Secure Your ComputerA simple virus protection program can keep potential identity thieves from coming across your information online. Additionally, only enter personal information on websites that you know are secure and trustworthy.Choose Smart PasswordsNever use the same password for all of your online accounts. If someone finds out the one password used for every account you have, you’ve just given them a free ticket to all of your information at once.Try to choose passwords that are unpredictable and hard to guess. That means no mother’s maiden names, no birthdays, no pets’ names, guessable phrases – and especially not part of your social security number.If you have a hard time remembering a large amount of passwords, write them down and keep them locked in a secure place. It might be a hassle now, but opening a safe to get your bank password is a lot easier than tracking down an identify thief.

4 Ways To Protect Your Credit Card Information

The credit card bill comes in the mail. You know what the charges are and what you plan to pay. Then, you open it and a nauseating feeling comes over you.

$2,120?

A 46-inch plasma television?

Scanning your living room, you can’t spot any high-dollar, big-screen TV and you don’t understand why it is listed on your credit card statement. This sick feeling is shared by many victims of identity theft.

Credit cards are a major source of identity theft. It is common for a thief to steal somebody’s wallet or purse and begin charging up the pilfered debt cards. However, with the advent of the Internet marketplace, all a thief needs are those 16 numbers on the front of your plastic card to put you in deep credit card debt.

Safeguarding your credit card information is crucial to your financial stability. Here are ways to keep those important digits on your credit cards out of an identity thief’s grubby hands.Shred Credit Card Receipts and Statements

Don’t leave any paper documentation with your credit card number around for long. After you have inspected receipts and statements, shred them. Whatever you do, don’t put them in the trash unshredded or leave them in your car. Thieves glean credit information easily during car thefts and by rummaging through people’s garbage.Avoid Online Scams

Be very wary about giving your credit card number or Social Security number for online purchases. Shopping over the Internet offers convenience and peril. Some retailers pretend to be legitimate but just set up a Web site to get your financial information. Some of these unscrupulous operators use a mechanism known as phishing by sending out an e-mail asking you to update personal information. They then use the information to steal from you. Research any unfamiliar online outlets that request your information. You can also get virus protection software to weed out unwanted e-mails that may lead you to identity theft.Look Over Your Shoulder

When giving out financial information or swiping your credit card at a retailer or ATM, make sure no one is eavesdropping. Sometimes you have to input your credit card number and personal identification number on a purchase at an offline retailer. Someone nearby can easily jot down the information without you knowing.Watch Out For Missing Credit Card Statement

If you don’t receive your credit card bill when it usually shows up, contact your credit card issuer immediately. Someone may have changed the billing address to divert your mail to get your information. A thief may have even swiped it from your mailbox. It is safer to receive and send your credit card bills through a U.S. Post Office box.