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How You Can Avoid Becoming A Victim Of Identity Theft  by: Alex Katz To reduce or minimize the risk of becoming a victim of identity theft or fraud, there are some basic steps you can take. The most important one is to ask periodically for a copy of your credit report. This is crucial because it is the surest and quickest way to determine if someone is using your name. Your credit report should list all bank and financial accounts under your name, and will provide other indications of whether someone has wrongfully opened or used any accounts in your name. Any discrepancies should send up a red flag for you. Next, be careful about giving out your personal information to others unless you have a reason to trust them. Start by adopting a "need to know" approach to your personal data. Your credit card company may need to know your mother's maiden name, so that it can verify your identity when you call to inquire about your account, but a person who instead calls you does not need to know that information. Also, limit the personal information you have on your bank checks. Be suspicious of someone who calls you on the telephone and offers you the chance to receive a credit card, for instance, and asks you for personal information. Request that he send you a written application form. If they refuse, tell them you are not interested and hang up. If you're traveling, have your mail held at your local post office or ask someone you trust to collect your mail while you are gone. Do not give out personal information when you are on the telephone in a public place where people can listen in to your conversation. Check your financial information (credit report) regularly, and look for what should be there and what shouldn't. And remember to ask periodically for a copy of your credit report. To obtain the excellent credit report service, avoid becoming a Victim of Identity Theft, get FREE online Credit Report, make your Credit Score higher or correct your credit visit Legalhelper ( http://www.legalhelper.ws ). Your credit score is important for obtaining credit. Your credit score is important to know, whether you need a new credit card, an auto loan, or a mortgage. Lenders use your credit scores to decide whether you are a good credit risk. If you have a high credit score, you are more likely to obtain the best rates. About The Author Alex Katz - Security Analyst This article was posted on January 17, 2004 Read More Articles from the "Business and Finance" Category: Victims of Hurricane Katrina – IRS Gives Tax Relief by Richard A. Chapo Home Insurance Quotes Important Coverage Resource by Jason Mark Hulott Your First Car Loan : What You Need To Know by Joseph Kenny Preventing Foreclosure Proceedings and Understanding Your Options by Mark Lambie How to Make Your Yellow Page Ad Double Your Phone Calls! by A l Hanzal Do You Have "Grass Hopper" Mind? Mind Mapping Helps You Capture Ideas As Fast As You Can Think by Dr V J Mariaraj Cultural Diversity at Work by Thong Kheng Lee Cross Cultural Solutions for International Business by Neil Payne Bad Credit Debt Consolidation Loan by Jonathan Pike When Do I Need To Hire A Business Plan Consultant by Howard Schwartz << Back to "Business And Finance" Index

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