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Equifax Credit Report Identity Theft Article
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Always be on the lookout for identity theft fraud
from:Nothing will prevent you from being an identity theft fraud victim. These criminals can easily commit identity because of the careless information-handling processes in the workplace, lenient credit industry practices, and the effortlessness of getting SSNs.
However, you can lessen your risk of fraud by following some simple steps. Consider them so you will not find yourself in the middle of an identity theft fraud.
On credit and debit reports.
1. Do not make it a habit of carrying all your credit and debit cards in your wallet at all times. It is also not advisable to use debit cards because they are more prone to losses to your checking account.
But you can have at least one or two credit cards and your ATM with you. If you are used to using debit cards, make the most of online access to your bank account to check your account activity regularly. It is best to report early signs of fraud to your financial bank or institution the earliest possible time.
2. When using your cards in public establishments, be wary of how they are being handled. Pay attention on how these cards are swiped by the clerk or waiter.
There are some employees who are using non-detectable skimmers to swipe the card and get the account number data from a personal computer later on. They can use the information achieved to purchase online or to make counterfeit cards.
3. It is not a good idea to use debit cards when you are shopping over the Internet. Instead of these cards, use a credit card instead. Yu are better protected if you use these kind of cards whenever you do some purchase online.
4. Maintain a list of copy of all your cards. You should also have a separate list for the account numbers, dates of expiration and phone numbers of customer service and fraud establishments.
It is best to keep them with you at all times. Put them in a safe pocket of what you are wearing so you will have immediate access to them whenever the need arises.
5. Do not give out any of your personal information over the phone, Internet or by mail. You can do this if you have enough trust on the person who will be receiving them.
One of the strategy that identity thieves use is calling out to their potential victims and telling them that they have won some contest. They will then tell you that you need to give out some personal data so you can get your prize.
6. Do not dispose your receipts anywhere. Always try and bring them along with you. If ever you want to throw them away, tear them first and find a safe place to thrash it in.
It is not wise to put receipts on shopping bags when you go shopping. Put them in your wallet or purse to avoid having someone getting hold of them.
7. Do not have your credit card number written your checks. Besides being exposed to dishonest persons, this is also in violation to some of the law in many states.
Take note that by doing this, you are more prone to being a victim of fraud.
8.Check the mail always especially if you are waiting for one of your cards to arrive. You never know who might be watching out for them and try to steal them when you are not looking.
If the card does not arrive at the anticipated date and time, contact the card company or the issuer to make sure that it have not fallen into the wrong hands already.
9. Request for a credit report at least once a year. The law gives you the right to one free credit report each year from the three credit bureaus.
Your credit report will show drastic signs and changes if ever you are a victim of identity theft. You might find in them inquiries not made by you, along with new accounts that you did not request or open.
The sooner you notice that an identity fraud is taking place, the easier and quicker it will be to clean up your credit files and get back your financial capabilities.
Equifax Credit Report Identity Theft News
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