Vital News to Protect Your Identity
You've probably heard about identity theft, where someone gets your private information and uses it to charge purchases using your name. What you may not be aware of is that the banking industry has policies which directly aid these criminals, by making it easier for them to find out who has the most money, credit cards, etc. But there are important steps you can take to help stop this.
Firstly, be aware that any time you have a credit card, checking account, etc., that the financial institution and credit bureaus can sell or give away (for free!) your private information. Also, be aware that by law it is up to you to tell them not to share your info, not their responsibility to ask you! This is one reason you get so many unsolicited offers.
Secondly, you should contact the three major credit bureaus and demand that they do not share your private credit file information with "any transaction I do not initiate". You can call 1-888-567-8688 to opt out of all three, though it is really better to do this in writing, and best to do it so you get a return receipt from the post office. Then you'll have proof that it was delivered and signed for. Indeed, there seems to be a problem with this line according to Experian (July 19, 2001).
According to a representative at Experian on July 19, 2001, you can write to an address of theirs to get off all three. But we'll give all three addresses, so can be safer if you'd like. They were given by Providian Financial Corporation in a national campaign, so if they're wrong, call them at (800) 918-9172 and (800) 717-0685 to complain.
Experian P.O. Box 919 Allen, TX 75013
Equifax Credit Information Services P.O. Box 740123 Atlanta, GA 30374
Trans Union P.O. Box 97328 Jackson, MS 39288
It is also a good idea to make sure your credit bureau files are in order. Offers with your name are easily mailed to addresses that aren't yours if wrong address(es) are on your report(s).
When dealing with a credit bureau, you may be told that, due to "privacy issues", the bureau will not update your report unless and until you buy a copy. This is a lie. There are forms for just this purpose, and we'll talk more about them in an update, so check back later.
Very Important:In researching this issue, it was amazing to me how many times I was asked for my Social Security number before a representative had the slightest idea what I needed. Do NOT give this out! It should always be your habit to safeguard this, as it has become the key to your financial, medical and legal identity.
If you're concerned about strangers knowing your personal habits by what you buy, avoid using grocery store "discount cards" (a financial savings to you, but the stores sell your buying habit information to make up the difference!), use cash instead of plastic (but always get a receipt), and avoid Internet buying wherever possible.
The last thing we must consider is Internet security. It's nonexistent. An Internet security consultant revealed some months ago that he found a very high percentage of major company Websites did not have the security software installed correctly. This means that even if the site looks secure (because of the key's appearance), it is not. Even more frightening is that someone in Clinton just told me today that her son used a search engine to get to a page that had his parents' social security numbers and buying habits right on the page!
If you have helpful info to share, or want to relate a success story, please let us know. Also, let us know if you have any prayer concerns.
Remember, folks, knowledge is power... (Stay tuned for more information on how to improve your daily life.)