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Beware of Fraud on Holiday
Financial fraud and identity fraud are one of the fasted
growing forms of fraud. The first line of defense to protecting
yourself begins with you. Here are some steps you can take to
help you protect and fight against financial and identity
fraud.
1. Review and Protect Your Information - The first line of
defense in financial fraud is to periodically check your credit
report to ensure all your information is accurate. Remember
there are three credit agencies (Equifax, TransUnion, Experian)
which all operate independently. Make sure you check your credit
report from all three because they may each have different
information.
2. Social Security Number – Keep your social security number in
a safe place with other financial documents. DO NOT carry your
social security card in your wallet and remember to shred your
old social security statements. It is also recommended to not
store your social security number on your computer as hackers
may have access to it. Never print your social security number
on your checks, credit card or drivers licenses.
3. Destroy Credit Card Mail Offers and Old Financial Documents
-If you receive direct or pre-approved solicitations in the
mail for new credit cards and do not use them make sure you
shred or tear them up before throwing them away. In addition,
shred all financial papers including cancelled checks, old bank
account statements, or any document with your identity.
4. Watch Out For E-mail or Telephone Fraudsters - Never give
your personal or financial information out on the internet or
phone unless you initiated the contact. This is especially true
with giving out your social security or credit card number.
Watch out for e-mails from fraudsters that state they need your
account information or credit card number to update your account
with your bank or an online company like e-bay. Never give out
personal information over e-mail! Many times these e-mails will
have links for you to click on that take you to a website that
looks authentic. However more times than not, it is a scam to
get your personal and financial information.
5. Monthly Bills – If your monthly bills stop arriving, take
action quickly. Notify the company right away. Also, review
your monthly statements promptly and if you see charges or
items on your bills that you do not recognize get them resolved
immediately.
6. Incoming / Outgoing Mail - Pick up incoming mail promptly
and do not send outgoing mail in your residential mail box.
Make every effort to keep your mail as securely as possible
when it leaves your house.
7. Age Matters - If you are over the age of 50 you are more
likely to be targeted for financial fraud. Therefore, keep this
in the back of your mind as you handle your daily tasks and
personal information.
8. Credit Cards / ATMs - Report lost or stolen credit cards and
ATM cards immediately. Be sure to carry the 1-800 numbers of
your bank and credit card company in your wallet.
Most analysts forecast financial fraud and identity thief to
cause financial loss to hundreds of thousands people in the
next five years and beyond. While fraudsters are very slick and
you can never be 100% safe the steps above can assist in you
significantly deterring yourself and family from being a
victim.
About The Author: Jay Fran is a successful author and publisher
at Motorcycle-Financing-Guide.com, a national resource to
compare motorcycle lenders. Copyright (c) 2005, by Jay Fran.
This article may be freely published as long as the author's
information, copyright information and the following active
live link is published with the article.
http://www.motorcycle-financing-guide.com/motorcycle-lenders.html
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