Debt Consolidation Credit Counseling In Phoenix

As you live your daily life, you need to be aware of the steps that you can take to not become identity thefts next victim. There are several common sense steps that you can take to minimize the risk to your identity. Only you truly care about the security of your personal information, so make sure you do what you can to ensure its safety.

The 5 tips outlined below are a great starting point to making sure that your identity is secure. You have to take the necessary precautions to ensure your identities security, so read the below suggestions.

1. Personal information in mail: The mail you receive on a daily basis probably contains a lot of personal information. This includes bank statements and credit card applications which can be used to steal your identity. Consider opting out of receiving credit card applications and start getting your bank statements delivered electronically, so that you eliminate a lot of your personal information from the regular mail.

2. Debit card issues: You might want to think twice when you use your debit card as a credit card. Because the money is taken out of your savings or checking account immediately, someone can very easily drain your account before you know what is going on. Use a real credit card instead because you will be better protected.

3. Stop using checks: A check contains both your account and bank routing number, which can easily be used by a criminal to drain your bank account. There is no reason to use checks to make purchases with when you should really be using a credit card, which offers greater protection.

4. One-time use credit card: If you are making purchases via a catalog or online, consider using a virtual credit card. These are one-time use credit card numbers that can only be used for one purchase, thus offering you protection if this card number ever gets in the hands of a criminal.

5. Copy personal information: Keep a record of all of your banking account numbers, including credit card numbers. You should also keep copies of important personal documents like your drivers license and social security card. This information will be necessary if you ever lose any of these documents, or if you ever become a victim of identity theft.

The suggestions listed above are a great way to start making changes in your life to ensure that your identity is secure. Another step that you can take to make sure you never become a victim of identity theft is to make use of an identity theft security plan offered by a reputable company. Take the necessary steps to ensure your identity is safe.