In the last year alone , identity theft has claimed over nine million victims in the US alone, and about 85% of these victims only realized that they have been victimized until it’s too late, when unknown charges have been made to their credit cards and/or something’s gone wrong with their credit report. Only the remaining 15% found out due to diligent activities by various companies and businesses have allowed the detection of identity theft and fraud.  So it is wise to protect yourself from identity theft, before it’s too late.

How to prevent identity theft

Many seems to be unaware of warning signs that should set off warning bells in your head. Here are 5 signs that can help you identify possible ways to rob you of your identity and then you can actually start to protect yourself from identity theft.

1. Your monthly bank statement shows withdrawals and fund transfers you don’t remember making.  You may be a victim of bank fraud.

2.  Some checks from your checkbook maybe missing and new checkbooks don’t come in your mail. Statistics show that the unauthorized use of others’ checking accounts is one of the fastest growing types of identity theft, protect yourself from identity theft by ensuring your checks are all accounted for.

3.  Credit card theft shows your credit card statements with purchases you did not make or receipt of billing statements from credit accounts and cards you never opened. An even worse scenario is when a credit collection company calls you to pay for stuff you never bought.

4. When your billing statements don’t arrive in your mail, you may need to protect yourself from identity theft, it can mean that your bills are being diverted to another address. Missing mails you expected to arrive can also be a sign that someone is raiding your mailbox.

5. You need to protect yourself from identity theft when you find yourself being disapproved for a new credit card, a loan or mortgage, when you know you can clearly have been approved. Checking your credit records will show debts that you don’t remember having.

Now that you know the warning signs you need to look out for, you can now protect yourself from identity theft, make sure that you take steps in order to alleviate some if not all of these warning signs, so you can stop identify theft from happening to you.

Perhaps the most sensible identity theft prevention tip is finding out just where your lifestyle and habits are most susceptible to attacks. You may want to invest in some knowledge on how to protect yourself from identity theft.  Here are some tips you can utilize to ensure your protection.

Tip #1: Have Credit, Will Shop!

Did you know that you are just asking for trouble by using debit cards or checks when shopping online? Yes, credit cards often figure in many identity theft stories, but they still offer a lot more security than other ways. You will be able to monitor all charges and in cases of discrepancies in your account, you can dispute this and if proven you are not held liable for these charges.

When you use a debit card or a check, it opens you up to bank fraud, allowing the thief the chance to empty your bank account in an instant and the money is gone before you even realize what’s going on.

Tip #2: Don’t Jot It Down!

The teller or the credit officer may tell you to write down your credit card number on your check, but it is strongly advised not to do it, this practice violates the law in many US states since it opens you up to bank fraud.  You can check your state government or State Legislature website for further information.

Tip #3: Take your receipt!

Yes you may be carrying a lot of bags and boxes with your purchases and can’t be bothered with picking up your credit card receipt, but leaving them lying around where thieves can likely pick them up opens you up for an attack or if you do take your receipt but throws them in the trash, you better think again, Dumpster diving is a practice common to identity thieves. Be vigilant of your own habits, this is how to protect yourself from identity theft.

Tip #4: Look out for Skimmers!

You may think it’s safe to give an employee of the establishment you’re in your card to pay for your purchase, but you should always keep your credit card in sight, simply because of skimmers: a small handheld gadget to swipe your card in to get your account info. You can stop this by ensuring that your card is within your site, even if it means following a store clerk or standing up from the table to see where your card goes.

This is how to protect yourself from identity theft, a vigilant effort to ensure that your credit card details are not divulged just to anybody and minor inconveniences like following a clerk and such will ensure that you are less likely to fall victim to identity thieves and less likely to face problems that comes with being a victim.