One You Blog

How Do I Know if An Inaccuracy on My Credit Report is A Mistake or Identity Theft?

Mistakes on credit reports do happen.  You can usually get them disputed and removed.  But how do you know when a mistake is identity theft?  You won’t always be sure but look for these common indicators:

* Multiple errors.  A pattern of errors may show intentional abuse
* Long term errors.  A card with an ever growing balance and no payment could be an intentional scammer.
* Problems that occur perennially.  If you fix one issue only to have a second your issues may be malicious.

Remember that vigilance is your best friend.

*   *   *

New Years Resolution One: Protect my identity by having better physical security

It is easy to let your guard down when you are having fun or when you are in a familiar place.  Sadly, a potential identity thief knows this.  Luckily you can outwit him.  Resolve to do so in 2010.  Need logistical help?  Try these 2009 posts.

• Black Friday and Identity Theft

• How To Opt Out of Pre approved Credit Offers

• How To Opt Out of Pre approved Credit Offers

• More Tips For Keeping Your Mail Safe

*   *   *

Identity Theft and Online Gaming

Sure, that girl in the MMO is hot, or at least her custom avatar is, does that mean you should trust her?

Probably not.

Remember that a stranger you meet in a game is just like any other stranger. They could still be out to take your identity. You need to be careful not to give out personal data like:

• Your address
• Your real life occupation (IRL)
• Any passwords
• Anything you would not give away in any other situations.

So, be wary on that avatar. No matter how well you think that you know another player, you could just be succumbing to a scammer.

*   *   *

How To Opt Out of Pre approved Credit Offers

Earlier this week, we looked at why you should opt our of pre existing credit offers.  Today, we are going to look at how to do it.

1. Go to https://www.optoutprescreen.com/?rf=t

2. Click on the button labeled “Click here to opt in or opt out”

3. Choose between opt out for 5 years and opt out forever.

4. Fill in the form and submit.

Now, go and opt out.

*   *   *

Why You Should Opt Out of Credit Offers!

Credit offers are bad for your personal finances, but it can also be a danger to your identity.

Picture this scenario.  Your mail man drops off a shiny new credit card offer.  A scammer takes it out of the box and apples in your name.  The card is sent to them.  So are the past due bills.  You don’t even know that it exists until you apply for a loan and get rejected.

Now, you have to provide the proof that you were not the one who charged 10,000 dollars worth of junk in your name. Not exactly the way that you imagined spending the next few weekends? Then opt out!

So, choose to opt out of credit offers.

*   *   *

Report Identity Theft to your Local Police

Having your identity stolen is a very big deal. This is why it is a shame that so many write it off as “nothing much.” If you are a victim of identity theft you need to take the proper steps to finding a solution, while also getting the culprit off the streets. Believe it or not, one of the best things you can do to help is filing a report with your local police department.

There is no need to call the FBI if your identity was stolen – they cannot do anything for you. It is unfortunate, but there are entirely too many cases for each one to be taken on at the highest level. That being said, you can get your local police involved in no time at all. This will give them a chance to help you out, while also alerting others of what is going on. Even if the thief is never caught, you can be happy that you are helping others avoid the same trouble.

One of the first things you should do if your identity is stolen is report it to your local police department.

*   *   *

Somebody is Stealing my Mail

Do you have a feeling that somebody is stealing your mail? This is a very big deal, and you want to treat it as such. If your mail is being stolen not only are you missing out on a lot of important information, but your identity is being compromised as well.

So, what can I do about this?

1. Purchase a mailbox that locks. This is one sure fire way to keep others out of your mail. If the problem persists you can then begin to look at your mailman for answers.

2. Tell the post office. You want to make your post office aware of the problem. This way they can tell the mail carrier in your area to keep an open eye. Not to mention the fact that they can also watch their employees. It is unfortunate, but things like this do happen.

3. Keep an eye out for suspicious activity. You may be surprised at how much you learn by just watching for things that are out of place, etc. Soon enough you may have a line on what is going on.

If somebody is stealing your mail your identity may be next. You need to put a stop to this problem before it turns into something worse.

*   *   *

More Tips on A Safe Job Search

Getting a job is a real issue for many people right now and scammers are salivating with the ways that they can take advantage of this fact. Here are some more tips to help you keep safe while you are looking for a job.

• Never respond to a blind ad. You should always know what company you are applying to.
• If you have never heard of a company then look it up before you apply.
• When doing number two, go beyond the official site. Use a search engine.
• Make sure on of those search engine passes includes the word scam.
• Only give out reasonable information. A possible employer does not need to know where you bank.
• When it doubt, count yourself out. It is better to be safe, then sorry when it comes to having your identity stolen.

Now, you can enjoy the thrill of the chase while minimizing the risks. Happy job hunting.

*   *   *

Your Pin Number

The pin number of your ATM or debit card may not be something that you think about often, and that is a shame. Every time you use that pin you are potentially exposing it to the prying eyes of those around you. Which means that there are a few do’s and don’ts when picking one.

1. Do try to keep your hand in the way of other view.
2. Do not lip or say number aloud. (it sounds silly, but you would be amazed how many people do this subconsciously.)
3. Do not get the cashier to put it in for you. (Again, some people, usually ones who expect extremely high levels of customer service, or who are very bad with technology, sometime ask.)
4. Do not pick an easy to guess pin. (I’m talking to you Mr. Last four digits of my SSN as a pin)
5. Do be wary of any machine that looks like it has been tampered with.

Now, you can shop safely.

*   *   *

Don’t Let Your Ego Lose Your Identity

Humans, as individuals, are pretty much famous for doing more than we can. A great number of us are willing to overestimate our own abilities. It can cost us quite a bit, in the case of your identity it can cost you your future, not to mention thousands of dollars. How can you advoid being a vicitim of your own hubris?

Simple, just be realistic about your abilities.

Are you going to notice a pickpocket slipping his hand into your purse on the crowded subways of New York or Tokoyo’s trains? No, probably not.

Are you going to change the passwords on all five of your social networking sites every three months? Maybe, but you really have to know yourself.

Are you likely to keep your head when that hottie online is asking you too much about yourself?

If you know your own limits you can take steps to mitigate the risks. That way you can have your fun and be safe.

*   *   *