All too often we find at least one story in the news about some poor individual whose credit has been tarnished to beyond recognition. This post is designed to show you how NOT to become one of those stories.
First and foremost, adopt a policy of the FBI towards your information. DO NOT just give the information out because it is asked for by an “authoritative” source. Adopt a “need to know” approach. The more comfortable you get with giving out things like your mother’s maiden name or your social, the greater the risk becomes. Develop a routine of offering other less personal information like phone numbers or conformation emails. As a general rule, never give out your data for the claiming of a credit card, prize, or anything of value over the phone. Ask instead for a written application form. Look at the resources for on the BBB website.
I know its summer and many of us are traveling. So I feel this is extra pertinent to say this: If your neighborhood does not have a lockable mailbox unit, get you mail forwarded and held at a local post office. I suppose you could also have a trusted neighbor collect it for you. Also, if you need to pass financial information over the phone, don’t do it from an open telephone booth.
You can find more information on how to keep your personal data safe this summer by visiting the Department of Justice website.
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