As our society grows increasingly reliant on technology, it is becoming easier and easier to steal someone’s identity. Along with basic information like your birth date, address, and name, identity thefts only need small bits of information to access your private accounts. However, it is not just technology that puts you at risk! Thieves can extract personal information by simply rummaging through your garbage can. Do you want to know how you can prevent becoming a victim of identity theft? Follow these 10 recommendations to ensure your private information is kept private:

• When you are prompted to enter your pin number at ATMs or when using a debit card at a store, make sure to keep an eye out for anyone who may be snooping over your shoulder.
• Instead of signing the back of your credit card, write the words “see photo ID”. This way, if your card is stolen and used to make a purchase, there will be no signature for the thief to forge.
• Shred all of your unneeded documents that contain any form of personal information. This includes credit card statements, ATM receipts, and medical statements.
• If you are getting rid of a computer, or hard drive, make sure all of the information it contains is entirely destroyed. This means you must use a program like ShredXP to remove your data.
• Always check your bank and credit card statements to locate charges that weren’t made by you.
• Do your bill paying at the post office. By leaving your bill in the mailbox, you are creating an easy method for thieves to steal your information.
• Your checks should not include your drivers’ license number or social security number. This could give precious information to someone with bad intentions.
• Examine your credit report once a year to make sure there are no extra accounts that have been added to your name.
• Never carry your social security card with you. It should be kept at home in a safe.
• Never do online business with someone you aren’t familiar with.

If you have any further questions about how to avoid identity theft, please contact Agape Brokers Insurance Agency, located in Hemet, California!

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