Social security number fraud is becoming more and more prevalent today. There are a myriad of schemes out there to convince you to give up your social security number. It is important that you are aware of these scams, and take precautions to protect yourself from becoming a victim of social security number fraud.
There are many ways that a criminal can obtain your social security number. You should be very careful who you give your social security number to, as that and a few other pieces of information like your birth date and address are all that one looking to commit social security number fraud needs to steal your identity. Only a few organizations really need your number. Those are tax related organizations, your employer, your bank, and a select few others. Even your doctor's office cannot legally require you to provide your social security number.
There are some things that you can do to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of social security number fraud. First, guard your number vigilantly. Do not give it out over the phone, to stores, or anyone else without a legitimate reason to know.
Shred all of your personal documents like bank statements, utility bills, credit card statements, and credit card offers. Do not respond to emails asking for your personal information. This is a scam called phishing, in which the scam artist poses as a legitimate company and asks you to verify some information. Your bank or credit card company will never ask for this information via the Internet. You should also obtain a copy of your credit report several times a year. Check it for any signs of inconsistency. This can be very helpful in catching social security fraud early. Many victims do not know that their personal information has been compromised until their credit has been severely damaged. You are entitled to request a copy of your credit report from each of the three credit reporting agencies once a year. If you space out your requests, you can keep a good eye on your credit.
If you have become a victim of social security number fraud, there are a few things you can do to minimize the damage. Get a copy of your credit report and cancel every credit card in your name. Notify all of the credit reporting agencies that you have been a victim of social security number fraud. Make a police report and contact your bank and all of your creditors. Talk to the police about possibly changing your social security number.
It can take a long time to recover from social security number fraud. The best thing to do is to prevent it by protecting your personal information and monitoring your credit closely. Once you realize you have been a victim of social security number fraud, take immediate action. If you are vigilant you can minimize your chances of falling prey to social security number fraud.
Author and internet entrepreneur Bernard Pragides offers expert advice and tips regarding identity theft. Learn more about identity theft and fraud by visiting his identity theft blog and his website http://www.IdentityProtek.com for more helpful information |
