Identity Theft Prevention Rhode Island

Identity theft is an increasingly popular crime -- there's a new victim almost every minute. Thieves steal critical information about their victims: names, addresses, telephone numbers, bank account or credit card numbers, and -- most dangerous -- Social Security numbers.

Local Companies

Tracktracer Investigations
(401) 289-0775
309 Market St
Warren, RI
Information With Integrity
(401) 722-6604
69 Governor St
Providence, RI
Ecs Investigations
(401) 295-0249
North Kingstown, RI
Investigative Reporting Inc
(401) 823-0078
1012 Tiogue Ave
Coventry, RI
Word For Word Typing and Transcription
(401) 724-9161
1499 Newport Ave
Pawtucket, RI
Abco Investigations & Executive Protection Agency Inc
(401) 658-4200
22 Manville Hill Rd
Cumberland, RI
Eyes Private Detective Agency
(401) 885-2224
North Kingstown, RI
Investigative Services Inc
(401) 732-9801
111 Airport Rd
Warwick, RI
In-Sights Investigative Group Inc
(401) 944-6445
Cranston, RI
South Shores Investigative Agency
(401) 423-3230
Jamestown, RI

Provided By:

Identity theft is an increasingly popular crime -- there's a new victim almost every minute. Thieves steal critical information about their victims: names, addresses, telephone numbers, bank account or credit card numbers, and -- most dangerous -- Social Security numbers. They put this sensitive information to work in many ways: applying for additional credit cards or auto loans, opening bank accounts, setting up telephone services, and going on shopping sprees. Some identity thieves even go so far as to file bankruptcy in a victim's name or give the victim's name to police during an arrest.

If your identity is stolen, you could spend months or even years cleaning up the mess. You may be denied credit and refused loans, lose job opportunities, or even be suspected of crimes you didn't commit. Fortunately, there are ways to minimize the risk of falling prey to an identity thief. Here are some simple things to do:

  • Secure your personal records. Ensure that your personal information is safely secured, especially if you have roommates or employ outside help.
    • At work, verify that your personnel records are maintained securely and that sensitive records are shredded during disposal.
    • Deposit outgoing mail at the post office or in a post office collection box (not in an unsecured bin or mailbox), and collect your incoming mail promptly.
    • Protect your trash by tearing up or shredding sensitive materials: credit applications or credit offers, insurance forms, medical statements, charge receipts, checks and bank statements, and canceled or expired credit and ATM cards.
  • Watch your wallet. Keep your wallet (and your purse) in a safe place at work. When you are out in public, carry your wallet on your person at all times. In a restaurant, do not hang your purse on the back of your chair; this is easy-pickings for an identity thief.
  • Limit your load. Carry only the personal identification, credit cards, and debit cards that you need. Store little-used identification and cards in a secure location.
  • Protect your Social Security number (SSN). Keep your Social Security card in a secure location, and give out your SSN only when absolutely required. If your state uses Social Security numbers as your driver's license number, request that it substitute another number.
  • Use passwords. Place passwords on your credit cards, bank, and telephone accounts. Use passwords that are not easily guessed or found. Avoid using your mother's maiden name, the last four digits of your SSN, or other personal data as your password.
  • Guard against tele-theft. Any time you are asked to provide personal information by telephone, through the mail, or over the Internet, be wary. Even when you have initiated the contact, confirm that the other party is legitimate. Call the organization's customer service number and validate the exchange -- before you provide any personal information. Also, ask how the information will be shared with others; request that the information be kept confidential.
  • Protect your PC. Take several steps to protect your identity as stored on your PC:
    • Use a firewall and secure browser.
    • Don't download files from strangers.
    • Maintain current virus protection.
    • Password-protect any personal or financial information.
    • Avoid automatic log-in processes (which store your account name and password).
    • When you dispose of your computer, delete personal information and completely overwrite the hard drive.


Copyright 2009 Nolo

For more information visit Nolo Press

Related Articles
- Identity Theft Prevention in Tax Season Rhode Island
The weeks before April 15th are busy for all of us -- but perhaps even more so for identity thieves. They're taking advantage of opportunities to lift your personal information off financial documents, scam you into answering emails or phone calls from fake IRS agents, and much more.
- Privacy in the Workplace FAQ Rhode Island
- Work At Home Scams Rhode Island
- What To Do If Your Identity Is Stolen Rhode Island
- Dealing With Identity Theft Rhode Island
- Identity Theft Protection Rhode Island
- Identity Theft Information Rhode Island
- Accomplices, Accessories, Aiders, and Abettors Rhode Island
- Identity Theft FAQ Rhode Island
- Recovering After Identity Theft Rhode Island
Related Local Event
Public Funds Summit East
Dates: 7/8/2009 - 7/8/2009
Location: Hyatt Regency Newport
Newport, RI
View Details

Rss   Delicious   Digg   Add To My Yahoo   Add To My Google   Bookmark   Search Plugin

Topics:
Advertising Family Home Services Real Estate Resources
Business Services Fashion Industrial Goods & Services Retail & Consumer Services
Career Financial Services Insurance Software
Cars Food & Beverage Internet Technology
Computer Hardware Franchise Legal Telecommunications
Construction Health Miscellaneous Trade Shows
Education Holidays Nightlife Travel
Entertainment Home Appliances Online Database Weddings
Environmental Home Electronics Pets World History