Security

"The ultimate security is your understanding of reality." -H. Stanley Judd

With all of the technology that exists in this world, it has become a bit easier for those that wish to do us harm. There will be those that wish to take from us our money, the base reason that identify theft exists. It isn't about becoming you because they like your name or your life. It is the money that they want to extract from your life before moving on to their next victim.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that identity theft happens to nearly 10 million U.S. consumers annually. Nearly 4.6% of us report each year having been a victim of this crime. This happens either by new credit cards being opened under your name or thieves gaining access to existing accounts.

So how can you protect yourself? In a recent State Farm mailing, they reported that many experts agree the following tips will help you guard against identify theft.

- Promptly remove mail from your mailbox.
- Never leave receipts at bank machines, bank counters, public trash cans or unattended gasoline pumps.
- Shred pre-approved credit card offers before discarding them.
- When making an ATM transaction, block the screen and keyboard with your body.
- Memorize your Social Security number and all of your passwords. Do not record them on any cards or on items in your purse or wallet.
- When writing a check for a credit card payment, do not write the entire account number on the check. Instead, use just the last four numbers.
- Never have your Social Security number printed on your checks.
- If your credit cards are stolen, immediately call the three credit bureaus (listed below) and request that a "fraud alert" be placed on your name and Social Security number.

Equifax: 800-685-1111
Experian: 800-682-7654
Trans Union: 800-916-8800

- If your credit or bank cards are stolen or you believe they have been tampered with, contact your financial institution immediately (so know their number).
- Immediately file a police report in the jurisdiction where your credit and bank cards were stolen. Request a copy of the report in case you later need proof of the crime for your credit card company.

Technology is here and there are people out there that will try to use it to harm you. Just embrace the technology and learn how to protect yourself. Use technology to your advantage.