Preventing Identity Theft

Identity theft is perhaps the most serious among the several crimes that occur in the US. Identity theft is simply an unscrupulous activity in which a thief uses another person's valid information such as social security card details, driver's license information, and credit card details in order to use it for his personal gain, however piling up entire credit in the real owners' name. From draining your bank account and losing your job to utilizing your health card benefits, the after affects of identity theft are quite distressing and in fact, may create serious havocs in your life, which in turn may take several years to recoup from its consequences. Discussed further in this article are some important tips to prevent identity theft as well as its after affects.
Tear or use a shredder to destroy your private statements as well as records that contain in it confidential information. Likewise, ensure that your mail box is safe. If you think that your existing mail box is not secure, then apply for a P O Box in order to minimize the risk of criminals snatching your important information. Equally important is to empty your mail box daily, since crooks may adopt several ways to tap important documents from your mail box.

Never answer any call that comes out of the blue asking for your credit card information. A genuine company would never make a sudden call to ask for your valid information. In addition, be careful when you deal with your credit cards, since criminals may use a special kind of device in order to clone your important information. It is also important to check your credit card information in regular intervals. This in turn would help you to easily trace out suspicious transactions, if any.

Another important thing that you can do in order to safeguard yourselves from identity theft is to slim down your wallet when you go outside. In other words, carry only necessary items in your wallet. For instance, it is advisable to carry not more than one or two credit cards or debit cards in your wallet. Similarly, if not necessary, avoid carrying items such as social security card in your wallet. Further, don't overload your wallet with unwanted bills, receipts, and cards, as a bulky wallet could easily draw the attention of a thief.
One of the best ways to overcome wallet theft is the usage of iWallet - a high tech cash and credit card wallet that is developed by engineers that work in projects with NASA. Its specialty, among many others, is that it could be opened or accessed only if it recognizes your finger print. This is due to its incorporated biometric reader.