Eye on Identity Theft: [Productivity @ Home]
On Thursdays, I share my thoughts on Family Finances.
Back in May, I shared with you my 2007 encounter with the crime of Identity Theft. I promised to nag you regularly about the topic, hoping to help you to avoid the inconvenience, frustration, waste of time, and tremendous financial outlay I went through in recovering my good credit. It’s very easy to become lax and assume this won’t happen to you. I’ve decided that paying for identity theft protection is a worthy investment and will never again go unprotected. In September, I shared information about how to obtain a free copy of your annual credit report.
Today, I want to offer another suggestion to help you protect yourself. It may sound elementary, but if you’re busy like me, you may take shortcuts that could eventually lead to your identity being stolen.
Today’s suggestion is to carefully review your monthly statements. Whether they arrive by mail or electronically, carefully take time to review them in detail for suspicious looking or fraudulent activity. Additionally, pay attention to credit card related mail that arrives in your mailbox.
Back when I went through my identity theft situation, I incorrectly tossed some information that could have given me an early clue that my identity had been compromised. I wrongly categorized it as junk mail and tossed it in the trash. Only when I learned a few months later that my identity had been stolen did I connect that tell-tale piece of mail to the situation.
Regardless of how much junk mail you receive each day, cautiously take time to review your mail and shred discarded items rather than tossing them in the regular trash. Invest in a good shredder and make it your friend, using it regularly. The time you spend protecting your identity could be an investment in the hundreds of hours that will be wasted if your identity is stolen…trust me.
On the Bookshelf:
The Wall Street Journal. Complete Identity Theft Guidebook: How to Protect Yourself from the Most Pervasive Crime in America
Related Resources:
Original post here: Lisa M. Hendey
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