Credit Protection: 4 Easy Tips To Help Protect Your Credit Score
By Home Security Source Feb 18, 2011 | 10:40:00 amPosted in: Personal Safety Nowadays, credit scores influence everything from your interest rates to insurance premiums - even job offers. It’s important to maintain and protect your credit score, which among other things, can be done by paying bills on time. But there are ways your credit score can be hurt without you even realizing it. Here are some potential credit fraud threats and safety tips to help prevent them:
Mail Theft: An easy way for thieves to steal your identity, get access to your credit card accounts or open a new account is by stealing your mail. Consider installing a lock on your mailbox so only you can access it.
Social Engineering: Thieves can often get vital information by going right to the source. They will call the victim and misrepresent themselves to get personal information. A good rule to follow in order to protect your identity is to never give out any personal information, especially your social security number, over the phone.
Improper disposal of credit card receipts and statements: The saying “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” really fits this scenario. Be sure to shred your credit card statements and any other documents that have your personal information on it. Thieves will dumpster dive to get what they need to commit fraud.
Domestic/elder abuse: Offer to keep an eye on financial resources for elderly family members. Thieves often see the elderly as an easy target and will take advantage. Offer to do a background check on any caretakers.
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