Ten Safe And Secure Banking & Computing Strategies

Follow our top ten safe and secure banking & computing strategies. These are the best ways to ensure protection for identity theft:

1) Only Make Purchases From Those You Trust

If you have a bad feeling about a vendor, both online and offline, then do not make the purchase. If you must make the purchase, it is best to use a credit card as your credit card company will likely compensate you if your card is used fraudulently.

2) Keep Your PIN Secure

When using your debit card, or credit card with a PIN, be careful that you cover your hand so that no one can see the numbers you are entering. Never give your PIN to anyone, and avoid writing down PIN or account numbers.

3) Install A Firewall & Antivirus Protection System

Installing a firewall is very effective at keeping information safe that you share online. You may also want to consider taking a course in safe computing strategies at your local community centre or college.

4) Destroy "pre-approved" Credit Card Applications

Identity thieves are known to search through garbage for identifying information. They love pre-approved credit card applications as they are filled with personal information. Shred or burn these pre-approved applications before you dispose of them.

5) Avoid Giving Personal Information Over Email

Be very suspicious if you receive an email from your bank asking you to verify your personal information by clicking on a link. If you feel that the email is legitimate, you should still phone your bank first to confirm that they sent it. Emails from identity thieves can look very similar to the real thing.

6) Never Buy Online If The Site Is Not Encrypted

When making purchases online, it is a good idea to ensure that the site you are on is encrypted. During the checkout process, you should be able to see a small logo or statement indicating that your personal information is encrypted. Also look at the URL, if it starts with "https://" as opposed to " http://", you are probably safe. You may also want to consider reviewing their privacy policy before making a purchase.

7) Be Wary Of Offers Which Seem Too Good To Be True

Do online research, contact your better business bureau, and ask the seller many questions if you are faced with an offer which seems too good to be true. If the seller is legitimate, they will understand that you need a little extra time to make up your mind. Thieves will use your trust and excitement in their offer in order to scam you.

8) Be Wary Of Unsolicited Emails, Phone Calls or Mail Advertisements

Sometimes identity thieves will send unsolicited letters which ask for credit card information. This can be confusing as legitimate companies are known to do this as well. If you are uncertain, look up the companies number listed on the letter (either online or in the phone book), call them and ask if they sent it. lf you are still suspicious, check the company's standing with the Better Business Bureau. You may want to consider sending a money order instead of a cheque or credit card. That way your personal information and account numbers will not be listed on your form of payment. The second safest method is to use your credit card as the credit card company will likely cover any fraudulent activity.

9) Be Alert Of Disruptions In Mail Service

If you are no longer regularly receiving the same amount of mail you did in the past, you should contact your post office and ask if a change of address was recently submitted. Identity thieves will sometimes try to change the address your mail is delivered to (usually a p.o. box) so that they can intercept it. They are looking for personal information such as pre-approved credit card applications, bank statements and other pieces of mail which has identifying information. Keeping a close eye on your mail service can help you keep your credit score and identity safe.

10) Read The Fine Print

Sometimes service providers will hide information in the fine print which allows them to charge you hidden fees, or retract certain offers. It is wise to make a habit of reading the fine print. Ask for clarification if you do not understand what you are reading before responding to the offer.

If you follow these strategies you will have a much higher chance of staying protected from identity theft.


------

These strategies are designed to ensure protection for identity theft. They are provided by Credit Repair Now.net, the web's #1 resource for powerful credit repair strategies. This article has been created to both support you in learning how to repair your credit score, and improve your finances overall.