In today's digital age, protecting your personal information is more important than ever. Identity thieves, marketers, and cybercriminals are constantly seeking access to your data. By taking proactive steps to limit access to your personal details, you can significantly reduce your risk of fraud and identity theft. Here’s how you can take control of your privacy today.
Safeguard Your Personal Information
- Never give out credit card or personal information over the phone unless you initiated the call and trust the business.
- Keep all personal documents secure and locked away when not in use.
- Carry only essential identification and payment cards—avoid carrying extra credit cards, your Social Security card, passport, or birth certificate unless necessary.
- Verify your credit reports annually to check for fraudulent activity.
Remove Your Information from Marketing Lists
- Opt out of marketing lists from the three major credit reporting bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—to reduce the number of pre-approved credit offers you receive.
- Sign up for the Direct Marketing Association’s Mail Preference Service and Telephone Preference Service to remove your name from national marketing databases.
- Have your name and address removed from phone books and reverse directories to prevent easy access to your contact information.
Protect Your Social Security Number (SSN)
- Only release your SSN when absolutely necessary, such as for tax forms, employment records, or banking transactions.
- Ask businesses if they can use an alternative identification number instead of your SSN.
- Never let merchants write your SSN on checks.
- Regularly review your Social Security Earnings and Benefits Statement for accuracy and potential fraud.
Manage Your Credit Cards Wisely
- Keep a photocopy or secure record of all your credit cards, account numbers, and customer service contacts.
- Always take credit card receipts with you and never leave them on restaurant tables.
- Shred pre-approved credit offers before discarding them to prevent dumpster divers from stealing your identity.
- Reduce the number of active credit cards you carry to minimize risk.
- Cancel unused credit card accounts to remove them from your credit report and limit exposure.
- Monitor your credit card statements for unauthorized transactions.
Secure Your Bank Accounts
- Do not print your SSN, driver’s license number, credit card number, or telephone number on your checks.
- When ordering new checks, pick them up at the bank instead of having them sent to your home mailbox.
- Store canceled checks and bank documents securely to prevent unauthorized access.
- Report lost or stolen checks immediately and request that the bank block payments on compromised check numbers.
- Keep a list of your bank account numbers and customer service contact information in a secure location.
- Be cautious of suspicious phone inquiries asking for account details.
By taking these simple yet effective steps, you can significantly reduce access to your personal information and enhance your overall security. Be proactive in managing your digital and physical footprint to minimize risks and maintain control over your privacy. Your personal information is valuable—protect it wisely!
