Credit Repair Info: Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

A Credit Article Contributed by Brandie King

To keep yourself from having to repair your credit due to identity theft read the following info. The FTC recorded over 200,000 cases of identity theft in 2003, so this is an issue that you need to be aware of. The need to learn how to protect yourself from it is great.

Credit Repair Info: Reduce Your Risk

Use the following info to reduce the risk you will have to repair your credit because of an identity thief.

Keep a close eye on how you use your personal information. Things that you do on an everyday basis may leave your information wide open for identity thieves to steal. Some examples of things that have the possibility of exposing your personal information are writing a check at the store, using your credit or debit card, renting a car, mailing tax returns, using your cell phone, ordering checks, applying for credit cards, the list goes on and on.

As you probably already know there are many cell phones that include a digital camera feature. An identity thieve could be standing right next to you in the checkout line and you won't even be aware of the fact that while you are writing a check or using your credit card they are taking a picture of your check or card. There are also devices available that let thieves listen to your conversations while you are talking on your cell phone, so make sure that you never give out personal information while talking on your cell phone.

Credit Repair Info: Catch It Early

Use the following info to catch an identity thief early and avoid having to repair your credit because of one.

Didn't receive your credit card bills this month like you normally do? Did your credit card expire, but you haven't received the new one yet? You had better call your credit card company immediately to see if the address on your account has been changed. This is something that identity thieves will do after getting hold of your credit card information to keep you from finding out until it is too late.

A major step that you can take to stop an identity thief in their tracks is to keep an eagle eye on your credit reports with all three of the major credit bureaus. These include Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union. Once per year order your credit report from each of the three major bureaus and inspect them for any suspicious activities. Each of these three agencies have websites where you can order your credit report from them as well as dispute errors and inaccuracies online.

Credit Repair Info: Avoid It

Use the following info to help you avoid identity theft and having to repair your credit because of it.

Here are some ways that you can avoid becoming a victim of an identity thief.

Shred everything you possibly can before throwing it away, including credit card offers, credit card receipts, bank statements, canceled and voided checks, etc.

Make sure you keep a close eye on all of the credit card statements that you receive every month and watch for and report purchases that you didn't make.

Unless you are absolutely positive that the person you are talking to is legitimate, never give any personal information whatsoever out over the phone. Never, no matter who you are talking to, give personal information while talking on a cell phone.

When writing personal checks don't include your SS# on them.

If you pay with a check and the clerk asks you for your credit card number to write on the check, tell them no.