1. Understand how and where it happens. Identity theft is like being robbed when you’re away from home, but most thefts occur in places where you do business every day: A place of business is robbed, an employee acts improperly or a hacker breaches the office through the computer.
2. Secure your wallet’s information. Photocopy everything in your wallet: photos, credit cards (front and back), membership cards—everything. Put the copies in the order the cards are arranged in your wallet, staple them together and place them in a strong box or safe.
3. Make sure your information is consistent. For all of your identity and financial documents, make absolutely sure, to the smallest detail, that all of your personal information is accurate and consistent. Discrepancies such as using your middle initial on some documents and not others, or having different addresses, can wreak havoc in proving your identity and can compromise your credit score.
4. Secure your digital habits and data. Change your passwords at least twice per year on a non-scheduled basis—don’t be predictable. Have a strong firewall if you shop online and only access sites that are protected by a strong firewall and high industry standards. Only access financial accounts from your personal computer.
5. Protect your banking information. While at the bank, keep account numbers and other data out of sight, and avoid stating account numbers, Social Security numbers and similar information out loud. When planning a bank visit, have items such as deposits and withdrawal slips prepared in advance.
6. Account for your interactions with vendors. Every time you speak to someone with whom you do business, write down the time, date, name and the purpose or outcome of the call. If an identity theft occurs on the vendor’s end, you will be able to reference these prior conversations effectively. Be sure to note any animosity or reluctance from the vendor.
7. Don’t carry around your birth certificate or Social Security card. Unless it’s necessary, keep those vital items in a safe (or at least a firebox). If you know someone is going to need a copy of your tax returns or your driver’s license, for example, make the copies ahead of time. This avoids the need for a firm’s employee to leave the room with such information.
Scott A. Merritt is the CEO and sole stockholder of Merritt Ventures, Inc., doing business as Merritt & Associates, and author of Identity Theft Do’s and Don’ts. Learn more at http://scottamerritt.com .
