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Identity theft is becoming increasingly common, and protecting yourself is important. One way to keep your identity safe is to get an unpublished phone number. This is often overlooked but phone companies sell customer information including name, address, and calling records to anyone who will pay for it. This puts you at risk for identity theft because the more companies with your personal information, the more chances it will be abused or lost.
Getting and using a PO Box is another way to combat identity theft. Having your bills and statements sent to a PO Box will safeguard your personal information from criminals who steal information from mailboxes. It also protects you from anyone trying to connect your name and address by researching your utility bills who keep and share this information. By using a PO Box they will not have your physical address.
While you’re at the post office, always mail bills and other letters containing checks and personal information from the post office. This will eliminate the chance that your personal information will be stolen out of your mailbox. Identity theft of this kind is common but also easily prevented if you make sure you never put items containing personal information in your mail box.
Never put your phone number, social security number, or any other information on your checks. Your name and preferably PO Box address is all you should put. Some stores won’t like it if you refuse to supply them this information but it is not required if you show ID. Most businesses run your check through electronic verification on the spot anyway, so never give out personal info on a check.
Safeguarding your social security number is especially important to prevent identity theft. Even if companies request it (except companies running a credit check) don’t give it. The fewer number of companies that have access to your social security number, the less chance it will be stolen. When applying for a job, don’t give your social security number until and unless you are hired. Gaining access to social security numbers stored in files is a common way of identity theft as well so make sure only companies that are secure and don’t share customer information have access to your number.
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