One You Blog

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

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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.

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Alternatives to Using Your Credit Card Online

Using your credit card online is getting scarier and scarier.  Given the ever increasing risks of your number being stolen you may want to consider some strategies for keeping your card number out of the databases.

1. Hit up your local convenience or drug store for a gift card.  If you are shopping at a major retailer you can usually find a gift card.  Just be flexible about where you look.  Even smaller specialty retailers (like Jinx clothing) have giftcards if you look around (Blockbuster).
2. Get a Visa or Mastercard Gift Card.  These can be used at most, if not all, online retailers the same way a credit card can.  Just be sure to read the terms and not to go over the limit.
3. Get a temporary card number.  Most card issuers will give you a temporary number for a fee.  Ask about it when you have no other choice.

There you have it 3 alternatives to using your credit card online.

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Knowing When Not to Pay Cash

In most situations paying cash is a safer bet, but that is not always the case.  Cash means that you can not be skimmed, but it also means that you have no recourse if your product is not as it should be.

So, when does using your card give you an advantage?  When you are ordering custom or when there is a potential problem with receiving the product ordered.

Your credit card comes with protection.  If you do not get the product (or the company goes out of business before the order is fulfilled) then you get your money back no fuss, no muss.

If you don’t think you’ll ever be at that kind of risk think again.  One classic example is a wedding dress.  Bridal shops close all of the time leaving cash paying brides up the creak.  Balance wisely.

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