How to Protect Your Privacy From Id Theft

[lordsmurf]

You need to limit your incoming junk that allows for easy theft, and then track your credit report for unusual or unknown activity.

1. GET OFF CREDIT MAILING LISTS!

This page has some interesting info:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/.../prescreen.htm

The FTC is the FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION, part of the U.S. government. That is the official government site.

Most consumers are unaware of their options and rights, when it concerns not being harassed by marketing, including phone and mail. Also credit offers that can lead to identity theft.

The opt-out for credit card, insurance and mortgage offers is free:
http://www.optoutprescreen.com


2. GET OFF TELEMARKETER LISTS!

The federal DO NOT CALL LIST is free:
http://www.donotcall.gov

Some states have state Do Not Call lists, usually for a small processing fee (worth it), that further limit what is allowed, beyond the federal list. Texas does, for example.

If your cell phone is not getting calls, DO NOT ADD IT! The Do Not Call lists are exempt to political marketing calls, so they actually use these list to find new numbers.


3. GET OFF AS MANY JUNKMAIL LISTS AS POSSIBLE!

And then limit the amount of junkmail you get for a $1 fee:
http://www.dmaconsumers.org/offmailinglist.html


4. CHECK YOUR CREDIT REPORT!

You are entitled to ONE FREE report per data-collection agency in a 12-month period. I suggest you do the EQUIFAX one first (generally the best of the three), and then the others staggered every 4 months so you can monitor your credit report for fraud at all times.

This is free:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/...reereports.htm for info,
and then get it at http://www.annualcreditreport.com


Just say no to being annoyed! And no to identity theft!

[markatisu]

I need to do 1 and 3. The state government encouraged us to do the Do Not Call and in 2 years not one telemarketer has called us!

Thanks for the tips!

[onlyemokid]

sounds good, thx

[Tcel93]

And pray that your credit card company doesn't get hacked! Because of that, my Identity was stolen twice! Bastards. I hope all people who have stolen people's identities rot, have serious health issues, and lose all happiness (and get extra pain) for the rest of their lives. Honestly, I'm not bitter.....not at all.....

But if you are a victim, call your local police, and get a report. Then you take that report to the credit bureau and they put a "lock" on you report that makes anyone trying to access your credit, give you credit etc. contact you personally to approve it. That little step finally got my identity somewhat secure again.

[cp32]

Dont give out your info. lol

[jowins]

Thanks for the info!