Friday 20 September 2013

How to Protect Your Social Security Number

A good friend of mine recently had a run of bad luck that may possibly cost him thousands of dollars to recuperate from. He was carrying his Social Security card with him so he could use it for identification at his new doctor’s office, and he either lost it or had it stolen. That’s a big deal because social security number and identity theft commonly come as a pair. Sure enough, my friend began receiving bills for credit cards he didn't open and for items he didn't purchase. He didn't know what to do or who to turn to, so I told him about Legal-yogi.com, a free website that provides guidance on all manner of legal issues. He went home, got on the website, and was feeling better at the end of his visit. Let me pass on some of what he learned.

Because misuse of someone’s Social Security number often leads to ID theft, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has some suggestions for those who have been victimized by this crime. The first step is to place fraud alerts on your credit file by contacting one of the three major reporting bureaus, Equifax, Trans-Union, or Experian. Legal-yogi.com points out that the one you get in touch with must inform the other two of the fraud alert, and that you should go over your credit reports, looking for charges from companies you haven’t done business with, credit accounts you haven’t opened, and any charges on the reports that you did not authorize. You should also close accounts that are not legitimate or that you know are fraudulent.

Visit Here To Know More About Social Security Number And Identity Theft!




There are definitely steps to Social Security number and identity theft protection, most of which are just basic common sense. First and foremost, do not carry your Social Security number around with you. There are very few institutions that require it, so if you’re not bringing it to a physician’s office, a new school, or an attorney’s firm, it’s just not safe to have it on you. Legal-yogi.com encourages you to keep it in a safe at home or at the bank in a safety deposit box. Carry your credit cards in a separate container from your driver’s license and cash, and make it hard for thieves to “grab and run” with your wallet by carrying a purse across your body or keeping your wallet in a front coat pocket rather than the rear one, which seems to be customary.

This has been only a sample of what Legal-yogi.com can teach you about Social Security number and identity theft. The website is operational all day, every day, and there are always well-trained staff members on hand to answer the phones. To get your free complimentary introductory conference, dial 800-397-1755.