Being organized is a must when it comes to protecting your identity and all of the sensitive data that accompanies you wherever you go.  Poor credit can complicate the procedures for buying a home, getting a job, applying for new credit, or obtaining utilities.  From stealing your mail to rummaging through your garbage, thieves work very diligently to obtain the information that makes you an individual in today’s world.  There are a few tips that you should follow to prevent the tragedy of identity theft from happening to you. 

If a thief steals your personal information he can buy things with your credit cards, obtain new credit cards, open a phone, electricity, or gas account, steal your tax refund, get medical care, or pretend to be you if he is arrested.  It’s imperative that you take notice of your bills when they arrive, that you keep an organized file of your account numbers and how to reach the billers, and review your bank statements every month when they arrive.  You should familiarize yourself with the dates when your bills come due, when you bank statement should be provided for you, and be very careful when making purchases online.  By checking your credit report on sites like CreditKarma.com periodically you can also keep track of any inconsistencies in your accounts or additions that you haven’t requested.

By following some common-sense steps, you can safely keep your personal information protected and your identity safe.  Keep all of your financial records, Social Security cards, credit cards, and medical insurance cards in a safe place.  Make sure that you shred papers containing your sensitive data on a regular basis.  You can purchase a home or office shredder quite inexpensively at a local office supply store or attend one of the social shredding events sponsored by your local police department or other civic organization.  Another important way to protect your identity is to remove mail from your mailbox as quickly as possible after it arrives; many thieves wait for mail delivery so that they can steal important documents from your mailbox without your even knowing it.  Only provide your Social Security number if completely necessary and never have it printed on your checks.  Always use another form of identification when possible and never give personal information to someone over the phone or in an email.

With all of the technical advancements you have at your fingertips today, the computer has become a source for using personal data frequently.  Always use passwords that are not easy to guess and include numbers and symbols when you can.  Don’t ever respond to emails or messages that require you to provide them with personal information; this only leads to tragic results and ruined credit for you.  When using a computer in a public place, never use any of your personal data; the next person who uses the computer behind you may have mal intent when discovering what you left behind.