Many people think that identity theft won’t happen to them. Unfortunately, they may be mistaken.
In 2004, identity theft was the top complaint registered with the Federal Trade Commission from consumers aged 50 and older, according to USA Today.
In a recent InvestmentNews study, more than half of affluent individuals said identity theft was their most pressing concern.
Sadly, the risk of losing money and countless hours to identity theft is increasing. You may not be able to control whether you become a victim, but you can take steps to protect yourself. Here are a few quick tips:
? Choose passwords that aren’t easy to guess. Don’t use consecutive numbers, your mother’s maiden name, or the last four digits of your Social Security number.
? Order checks with your first initial instead of your full name. If your checkbook is stolen, the thieves won’t know how you sign your name.
? Make a photocopy of everything in your wallet. IDs and credit cards should be copied, front and back. That way, you’ll know exactly what was in your wallet if it is stolen. Also, write “Check ID” or “Photo ID Required” in place of your signature on the back of your credit cards.
? Stay informed. Look over your bank and credit-card statements for strange entries. Request a
copy of your credit report each year. Inquire about
any unrecognized purchases.
You can help reduce your risk of identity theft with just a few simple steps.