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by Frank W. Abagnale
Stealing Your Life is more frightening than a gory murder mystery. Any one of us, from cradle to grave, is vulnerable to a swindle that can wreck us emotionally, cost us serious money, ruin our credit ratings, and take us years to straighten out. Identity theft is here to stay, and as long as legislators, businesses, law enforcement agencies, and individuals fail to take it seriously, the number of victims will continue to climb.
For thirty-two years, the author has been a law-abiding citizen; his criminal past, famously recounted in the book and film "Catch Me If You Can," is a distant memory. However, he knows how crooks think, and this knowledge has led to a lucrative career as a consultant for the FBI and corporations all over the world in preventing frauds and scams. Abagnale is horrified at how easy and tempting identity theft is for the budding criminal. He calls it "a crook's dream come true."
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Prevent Identity Theft - 10 Hot Tips!
The first way you can prevent identity theft from happening to you is to recognize just how vulnerable you are to what the FBI says is the fastest growing white-collar crime of the century.
You should take all the precautions you can think of in terms of how you store your personal data, as well as who you allow to access it, to prevent identity theft.
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Prevent Identity Theft - What the Experts Say
Government agencies that deal with identity thieves and that have studied this kind of criminal activity suggest taking the following measures to prevent identity theft.
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1. Never give out your personal data, unless you know the person on the other end of the phone line or the Internet.
2. Do not click links in unsolicited e-mail. Type in the online address you know.
3. Shred or tear up documents and bills that contain your personal data before you throw them in the trash or office wastepaper bin.
4. Lock your home mailbox or rent a postal box so you can receive and send mail securely. (Tip: If you are often out of town, using a home mailbox is asking for trouble! Prevent identity theft by renting a P.O. box today!)
5. Store the personal data you keep in your home in safe, obscure place.
6. Protect your PC with Firewalls and Antivirus or Spyware programs.
7. Never use passwords that anyone can easily guess, such as your date of birth.
8. Avoid using your credit card in places where you have to let it out of your sight.
9. As soon as you even suspect identity thieves have targeted you, report it to your local police authorities or to the Federal Trade Commission at their toll-free number, 1-877-IDTHEFT.
10. Finally, always check your monthly bills for suspicious items. You can also get a free monthly credit report from these three bureaus to keep track of your spending activities and prevent identity theft.
Equifax
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
800-525-6285
Experian
P.O. Box 2002
Allen, TX 75013
888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
Trans Union
P.O. Box 1000
Chester, PA 19022
800-680-7289
Prevent Identity Theft by Securing Your Personal Data
Your personal data does not only include ID cards or your Social Security Number. It also includes your deposit slips and bank checks. The easiest way an identity thief can victimize you is by stealing your purse and using your checks.
Some may even try to sneak a peek over your shoulder at the bank or wherever you happen to be filling out a form that requires writing down specific identifying information. So being aware of your surroundings is another good way to prevent identity theft.
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Index of Articles about Indentity Theft
What Other Authors say about Indentify Theft
Identity Theft and Fraud - How Do I Know I've Been Victimized?
by Carl LaFresnaye
Identity theft and fraud has claimed over nine million victims in America within a recent 12-month period. Out of this number, most of the victims (85%) discovered they were victimized in a negative manner... An identity theft story can involve ANYONE. If you think that only unsuspecting housewives, too harassed by the many chores they have to get done with children in tow, would fall prey to identity thieves... When a person becomes victim of identity theft the law, the thief, creditors and others often persecute them throughout the battle to restore their identity. Thus, in this article I am providing you legal... If you fall into the hands of an identity, theft it is important to continuing monitor your credit reports and any financial statements throughout the legal process. You will need to check your reports... Identity theft is one of the biggest problems we are facing in society. Bankers, credit card lenders, law, and other sources are working to find a solution to the problems. At what time a person falls... These six ways to prevent identity theft offer you valuable tips against the fastest growing crime in America today. In 2004, more than 9.9 million Americans fell victim to many types of identity theft... Identity theft and fraud was already a multibillion-dollar criminal industry back in the 1990s. Although the NUMBER of identity fraud cases in on the decline, the TOTAL COST to America is on an up trend.... You've heard the "buzz" about identity theft, but what exactly is identity According to Wikipedia, identity theft (or identity fraud) is the deliberate assumption of another person's identity, usually... Each year identity theft is on the increase according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Since 2004, a shocking rate of eleven "million" have fallen victim of identity theft. At the same time, experts... The cost of identity theft crimes is ranging in the billions, since everyday someone is robbed of their identity. The FBI, Police Departments around the world, Government and other teams are joining to... Preventing identity theft has been successful, not only because of public vigilance, but also because of government measures. Based on Federal Trade Commission statistics, the growth of identity theft... |
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