Identity Theft Iowa

Most people think of credit card fraud when they think of identity theft. There are actually different kinds of identity theft you should be concerned with:

CREDIT CARD THEFT: If you give your card at a restaurant or any place where the card is out of your sight, then you run the risk of identity theft. Waiters have been known to get credit card details and sell it to someone else so it cannot be traced back to them. Next time you are in a situation where your credit card is going to be out of sight, try to pay at the register yourself. Also, consider using a company such as LifeLock for credit card fraud protection.

DRIVERS LICENSE THEFT: You get stopped by a cop and next thing you know there is a warrant for your arrest. You wonder how that can be? Somebody stole your driver's license information and committed various driving violations. Never let your driver's license out of sight or your possession. Be extra careful with protecting your driver's license.

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER THEFT: This is widespread because people  don't realize that they leave their Social Security numbers laying around on so many documents. In the old days, it was considered harmless to ask for Social Security numbers on practically every form.  Those days are gone. Nowadays a thief can create a whole new identity with your Social Security number. Do not put your Social Security numbers on forms unless absolutely necessary. Many outdated forms ask for that information. I will give you a classic example. You go to a clinic and the first thing they want you to put down is your Social Security number.  There is no reason for it if you have provided insurance information. Your insurance company knows how to identify you. I never fill the Social Security number until they justify why they need it. So next time, don't fill out your Social Security number just because they ask for it on the form. Ask why they need it first.