What You Need to Know About Credit Cards and Identity Theft

Identity theft is starting to become one of the most popular crimes in the United States. Every year people have to struggle with the problems that come when someone steals your identity. Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information without permission.
It can effect anyone, but with the use of credit cards it is becoming more rampant. You can become a victim by simply throwing away papers that contain personal information, having your purse or wallet stolen or lost, or through no fault of your own. It is important to recognize how to prevent identify theft and what you can do if you become a victim of this crime.
Preventing identity theft involves some work on your part. Credit cards are easily stolen and easy for thief to use. The best ways to protect yourself are as follows:
- assign passwords to your accounts
- avoid using easy to obtain information as passwords or pass codes (like birth date, mother’s maiden name)
- Shred personal documents before throwing out. This includes any credit card solicitations you get in the mail. Someone could easily steal these and assume your identity to get a new card.
- Do not give out personal information to an unsolicited source.
- Do not carry your social security card or birth certificate.
- Be safe with what information you store on your computer.
Online hackers can access offline content.
- Monitor your credit reports with all three major bureaus on a regular basis and report anything suspicious.
These few simple ideas can go a long way in helping you to avoid identity theft.
If you become a victim of identity theft you must work fast to prevent further problems from arising. Once you realize someone else is using your identity you should contact the three major credit bureaus and have them issue a fraud alert for your record. You also need to cancel or freeze your accounts.
Then file complaints with both your local police and the Federal trade commission. After that you should be able to get help repairing any damage done. It is very important that you pay attention to your credit accounts for unusual activity because catching identity theft early is important.
Identity theft can be devastating, but if you follow some simple guidelines you should be able to avoid it. If you do end up becoming a victim act quickly and you should have minimal damage to repair. Identity theft is a new crime.
In our age of technology it is becoming easier to obtain other peoples personal information. The bottom line is to keep your personal information protected and keep an eye on your credit report.
Gunnar Berglund has been a "internet- hardworker" for the last five years He publishes the ebook "Identity Theft, What's It All About?" at http://www.creditcardandidentitytheft.com

Credit Fraud Secrets Thieves Don't Want You To Know

Have you ever been a victim of credit card fraud? If so, you know just how traumatic it can be. What’s more, if you don't detected it early enough, it could leave bad marks on your credit report that could haunt you for many years. The most commonly thought of credit card fraud is when your wallet or purse is stolen, and the thief uses your credit cards to make unauthorized purchases.
But, with the increasing rate of online buying, another form of credit card fraud—known as misappropriation—is spreading like wildfire. These days the only thing a thief needs to create havoc on your credit life is your credit card number—not your actual card.
Here are just a few ways that this type of fraud can happen to you:
* One day your telephone rings, you answer and the person on the other end of the line tells you that they have a one time special offer, good for today only—and that you simply need to provide them with your credit card number to make a purchase. STOP! Don’t ever give out your credit card number to anyone who calls you. Only provide this kind of information if you have called the company to place an order, and you are positive that it is a well-established reputable business.
* You find that someone has gone through your trash. Then when you receive your credit card statement, you find that there are dozens of unauthorized charges. STOP! Always tear up your credit card receipts and bank statements before putting them in the trash. Better yet, buy a paper shredder from a local office supply. Many thieves go through unguarded trash bags specifically looking for your credit card staments.
* You go out to eat in a restaurant and pay the bill with your credit card. On your next credit card statement, you notice that there are unauthorized charges that started the same day as your restaurant meal. It turns out that the waiter made an extra imprint of your card when he rung up your bill, and then used the number to go shopping. The solution? Many restaurants have placed their credit card processing centers in plain view of the customer’s sight to combat this problem. If not, you could follow the waiter to the charge station, and watch him throughout the process. It’s also important to make sure that they know that they are being watched.
You may be wondering if there are other measures that you can take to make sure you aren’t a victim of credit card fraud? Yes there is and here are a few suggestions.
* If possible, carry your credit cards and other bank information somewhere other than your wallet or purse. This way, if a thief nabs it, you will be out only your cash—not your credit cards.
* Another way is to only take the credit card that you intend to use that day—leave the others at home.
* Make a list of all your credit cards and keep it in a safe place, make sure to list the numbers and contact information of the issuing company. That way, if you do lose them, you’ll have the information necessary to contact the credit card company as soon as you notice the theft.
* Never sign a blank receipt, and always be sure to cross out blank lines. For example, if you bought something that didn’t require a tip, cross out the tip line so nobody can add to it later.
* If you're making a purchase online, be sure that you do so via a secure site.
* If you move, report your new address to your credit card issuer immediately. Also fill out a change of address form at the post office. Sneaky thieves are on the look out for people moving, and then watch the mailbox of the old house, hoping that they can intercept a credit card statement.
Following the above suggestions doesn't guarantee you'll never be a victim of credit card fraud, but it will greatly reduce your chances.
If you would like to get more credit information you can visit our website which contains many credit resources. http://www.my-credit-report.info This article is copyright 2005, but can be freely reprinted, as long as no changes are made, including hyperlinks.