Whether you realize it or not, most people are setting themselves up to have their identities stolen, and their precious time at dinner invaded. But there's something you can do about it.
Not all information exchange is going to get you in trouble. The pesky cashier that demands your phone number or zip at the cashier with 10 people waiting behind you is engaged in the data collection end of marketing research. I know...I study the processes involved in data mining and predictive modeling. These data are gold. They help statisticians figure out where to open new stores, and whom to send a solicitation to so that the effort is profitable. The mathematics are complex, but it all starts with a simple "Phone number please.."
- Rick Aristotle Munarriz (TMF Edible)So what will you do the next time that a persistent cashier asks you for your phone number? Will you give in? Here are five suggestions to keep you from blurting out the seven numbers that are dear to you.
1. Tell the sales clerk that your number is unlisted. If you are told that it is for security reasons, take them to task. While some credit card companies will use billing zip codes to verify transactions, there isn't a single one that will demand your phone number. Flash some other form of ID to the cashier.
2. If your concern isn't so much the retailer knowing you are, but rather some unsavory characters behind you memorizing your phone number, just jot it down and hand it over to the cashier. If you have a business card, that will probably do.
3. Your area code followed by 555-1212 isn't a complete fib. It is the number for directory assistance. If your number were listed it would be one way to reach you.
4. Refuse on principle. Do you really think that they will turn away the sale? It's a more honest approach than just making up a number like 867-5309.
5. Give them the store's phone number. After all, that is where they can reach you at the moment, right?
And how can you keep your identity from being stolen? In the information age where any unsavory moron can buy a computer, this is rapidly becoming a major way to pick your pocket and turn your life to total hell. Need credit? Want cheap car insurance? Need a job? Let one of these thieves tarnish your reptutation, and you've lost more than money.
Here are some things you can do to prevent such theft.
1) Protect your social security number.
* Do not put it on your personal checks; have it removed if it's there already.
* Do not let a state use it on your driver's license. Have a number assigned to you instead. It is your right.
* Do not allow it to be used as an ID for health insurance. Make them use something other than the policyholder's SS# for your ID. It is your right.
* Do not give it out. If anyone asks, find out why they need it. The only legitimate reason is to get credit for financial transactions between you and the federal government.
2) Check your credit report at least yearly. The three major credit bureaus (see bottom) provide that as a service.
3) Contact any of the three major credit bureaus, and have a "fraud alert" put on your identity. The alert serves as a notice that no new credit should be granted without your approval. Not all creditors pay attention to these alerts. You need to be vigilant that no new accounts are opened.
Here are some more tips from AOL Finance.
- Bill1. Be watchful of shoulder-surfers. At ATMs and phone booths, thieves will stand close enough to see PIN numbers punched in by users.
2. Mind those credit card receipts, especially since only a few credit card receipts have stopped listing full account numbers and expiration dates. Put the charge slip copies in a safe spot until your credit card bills arrive.
3. Buy a shredder and use it. Shred everything, including credit card receipts (after you've reconciled your bill), old bank statements, medical statements, everyday bills, and pre-approved credit card offers. Any document that has personal financial information on it can give an identity thief a foothold into your life.
4. Write clearly on all credit applications. Consistently and completely fill in all credit and loan applications using your full name, first, middle and last. Every bill that comes to your house should be addressed exactly the same.
5. Monitor your credit accounts carefully, so you'll know if a bill's missing or unauthorized purchases have been made. Close out unused credit cards. Cutting them up is not enough.
6. Limit the number of credit cards you carry. The fewer cards you have, the easier it is to track them.
7. Get a credit report at least once a year and clean up any errors. Look for personal information and credit accounts that are not yours. Credit bureaus make mistakes.
8. Never leave paid bills in your mailbox for the mail carrier to pick up. Drop them off at a post office box.
9. If you're moving, contact all your creditors and update them of your address changes immediately. You don't want credit information and new credit cards being delivered to the wrong address. Likewise, if your credit card expires and you don't receive a new one, call your creditor immediately.
10. Protect your Social Security number. Only give your Social Security number when absolutely necessary. Avoid using it as your account number whenever possible. If merchants demand it, ask for an alternate number and take your business elsewhere if they insist on writing it on your check. Likewise, don't print it on your checks.
11. Never carry your Social Security number and driver license together in your wallet.
12. Don't provide your Social Security number, bank account number or credit card number to anyone who contacts you through telephone solicitation.
13. If you're shopping with an online merchant for the first time, look for the Trust-e symbol or a Better Business Bureau online seal. These indicate the seller has been independently audited and deemed trustworthy.
14. Make sure any online credit card charges are handled through a secure site or in an encrypted mode. You'll know you're on a secure site if the Web page on which you conduct your transaction begins with https instead of the usual http.
15. Only shop on Web sites that offer a privacy policy. Know how your personal information will be handled. Print out privacy policies, warranties, price guarantees and other important information.
Equifax
Equifax Credit Information Services, Inc
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374
To order report: 1-800-685-1111
To report fraud: 1-800-525-6285
Web site: www.equifax.com
Experian (formerly TRW)
National Consumer Assistance Center
PO Box 2002
Allen, TX 75013
To order report: 1-888-397-3742
To report fraud: 1-888-397-3742
Web site: www.experian.com
TransUnion LLC
Consumer Disclosure Center
P.O. Box 1000
Chester, PA 19022
To order report: 1-800-888-4213
To report fraud: 1-800-916-8800
Web site: www.transunion.com [/i]
