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PROTECTING
YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION
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Neither businesses nor individuals
can be too careful. Documents revealing bank account, credit
card or social security numbers can be used to defraud, leaving
the business or individual with enormous bills, empty bank account
and damaged credit. Scams such as Identity Theft and Phishing
have become increasingly more prevalent. Protecting your personal
information is a crucial matter and there are many ways the
unscrupulous can gain access to such information. The threat
is real, the government estimates 950,000 people are victimized
by these crimes each year. Identity Theft: Involves the use
of your personal information. Such as your name, social security
number, credit card or bank account number. An unscrupulous
person will use this information to consume your identity to
commit a fraudulent act or other crimes. Phishing: Involves
the use of Internet Websites and pop-up messages to mislead
a consumer to disclose personal information. Such as the same
information with Identity Theft. Protect your assets and good
name. Do not leave bill payment envelopes in your mailbox with
the flag up. This is one of the simplest ways to obtain your
identity. Deposit your monthly bills at your local post office.
Pay attention to your billing cycles and statements. Inquire
about bills you do not receive. It may mean that the bill has
been diverted by an identity thief. Report lost or stolen checks
immediately. Do not give personal information over the
telephone, through the mail, or the internet unless you initiated
the contact and know whom you are dealing with. Annually contact
the major credit reporting companies to review your file and
make certain the information is correct.
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