Identity Theft

September 21, 2008 – 7:39 pm – No Comment

With all the financial information coming through the wire services, identity theft is not getting the spotlight it once did. However, it is still happening, and for many Americans, is something that should be watched more closely than the financial sector of the stock market.

I’m not meaning to cause alarm, because some of you have much more to worry about in these troubling times, but here’s some tips to keep your identity safe in the mean time.

Shred all documents. I bought a cross cut paper shredder from Wal-Mart for $20…prior to that many of our personal documents would be torn into maybe 4 or 8 pieces and thrown into the trash. That was obviously not the best option.

Never EVER respond to an email asking for personal information, by now most people know this. However, there are some emails that can look particularly legitimate. For example, the IRS is looking for your information via email and you filed online. They won’t ask for personal information through an email. Call them instead to make sure.

And one little thing you can do: Cover your card number when you pay for something in a check out line. I’ve seen people try to take pictures of my credit card number, but I keep the numbers covered with my index finger and always scan it myself. At the same time, I have to trust wait staff at restaurants, perhaps I shouldn’t (recently a waitress in a Memphis restaurant was caught with a scanner that would scan and save card numbers).

Just remember this is still going on, even if your mind is elsewhere. Keep a watchful eye on your credit.