Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Common-Sense Identity-Theft Protection For Families

Sure, commonly-advertised services for regular families can seem like an easy button. But the problem is that most of these products are unnecessary or ineffective, or they duplicate things you can do yourself--for free.

Here are some basic things you can set into place right now, which will cover you in the vast majority of circumstances:

1) Please don't carry your SSN in your wallet. Ever.

2) Don't post your full DOB on your social profiles. If you really like the messages on your wall for your birthday, just take out the year at least! (Besides, it makes you more mysterious!)

3) Don't check your bank balances on public wi-fi. Even if you do it on a secure connection, hacker programs to "snift" your info are as commonly-accessible as pirated video on the internet. This includes your mobile phone.

4) Um, don't let your wallet get stolen.

5) In case it does, keep a photocopy of every important item in there. (Except cash, of course. That's, er, against the law.)

6) Check your credit annually.  www.AnnualCreditReport.com is the one where you don't have to pay for it.

7) Shred important stuff you don't need -- including credit card solicitation offers. In fact, stop those for good by going here: www.optoutprescreen.com or calling 888-567-8688. Opting out should stop most offers, and it is free.

There. I said it would be short, sweet, and full of common sense. As usual, I hope!

Don't forget -- we are only a phone call or email away, and our consistent question for you is this: "What more could we do for you, to help?