Preventing Identity Theft: Part 2 of 2
 

These are additional tips and tricks to safeguard your security and credit against identity theft.

1.) The information on your birth certificate can be used in identity theft. Make sure that anyone who requests a copy truly requires the information. As with your Social Security card, keep it in a safe place.

2.) Don’t give out personal information on the Internet, if at all possible.

3.) Never give information to pushy telemarketers or sales representatives, unless you have some way of verifying whom they work for and the legitimacy of their services.

4.) Get in the habit of at least annually checking your credit report. Familiarizing yourself with its contents and how to read it is one of your most powerful tools.

5.) Check with the BBB (Better Business Bureau) for numbers and contacts to pursue in the case of real or suspected identity theft. Your local office should have a brochure you can request that outlines what to do if your identity is stolen, with further tips and tricks to safeguard yourself. ■