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Prevent Identity Theft
Identity Theft is a huge problem that everyone needs to be concerned about. Although you cannot totally prevent becoming a victim of identity theft, there are a number of things you can do to make it more difficult for someone to steal your identity:
- Never leave your wallet or purse unattended at restaurants, in shopping carts, at work, or at the gym.
- Do not carry documents that are not necessary to have on you. Unless absolutely necessary, do not carry your social security card or your birth certificate on you.
- In a secure location, keep a listing of all your credit card accounts and bank accounts so in the event your information is stolen, you can quickly call your bank and credit card companies to advise the Fraud Department. Ideally, you should make a copy of all your credit and debit cards (front and back), which includes account numbers, expiration dates and security codes.
- If possible, when handing over your credit card to someone for payment of an item, try to keep your eye on your credit card during all transactions and get it back as soon as possible. The longer someone has your credit card, the more likely he or she is copying your information.
- Thieves search for their next victims making phone calls and sending emails, pretending to be government agencies, your banking institution or your credit card company. The phone call or email will sound very official and he or she will say that they need to verify your personal account information. Do not provide this information over the phone or through an email!! Legitimate companies will not ask for information this way. Do not give personal information over the phone unless you have initiated the call.
- Invest in a personal shredder! Shred all bank and credit card statements, credit card offers and paperwork that you write personal information on, before discarding.
- When ordering checks from your bank, advise them you will pick them up at the bank, versus having them sent to you in the mail. Don't take the chance of having your account information stolen from your mailbox.
- Review your bank and credit card statements as soon as they are received in the mail. Make sure you dispute any charges you didn't make.
- Keep on top of your credit reports. Order your credit reports from the 3 major reporting agencies on a regular basis and look for any discrepancies. Close any inactive credit card accounts.
"Love your life and live it to the fullest. Just do it with YOUR EYES WIDE OPEN. Know that I am keeping my eye out for you!" - Cynthia
Cynthia Bazin is a licensed Private Investigator for the State of Nevada and is the owner of The Bazin Group, LLC. Please contact Cynthia for all of your Investigation and Security needs. She will ensure that your business is protected; that you are taking the proactive measures to reduce risk and liability within your organization.
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