Identity theft is a problem that is gaining ground all over the United States, and in Missouri, that could be easily avoided in many cases. Identity theft is simply defined; when someone uses your resources and personal information to commit fraud, etc, they are committing identity theft. Usually scam artists who've mastered this trade focus on resources like social security numbers, bank account numbers, and like information they can use to steal month or take about loans in your name. Often the thieves make fraudulent charges on their victims' credit cards or steal monetary resources from their bank accounts.

In Missouri, resources at the Attorney General's Office take reports of these crimes via a hotline set up specifically for dealing with identity theft. They recommend never giving out your social security number to anyone, unless you were the first to initiate contact with those who require it. For example, it is okay to give your social security number to a prospective employer, but it is not advisable to give it to someone you've never met who calls your home. The state of Missouri also recommends obtaining checks and drivers license that do not have your social security number printed anywhere on them. A paper shredder is a handy tool to have, and it's recommended to shred any credit card bills or personal statements before throwing them away. For security's sake, send important personal documents via a Post Office drop box, rather than using your own home mailbox. Never carry your social security card on a daily basis; rather, only keep it with you if you know you will need it that day. It is important to use virus protection on your computer, as well as spyware software. Freezing your credit report is also an option in protecting yourself from identity theft.
When you freeze your credit report, your personal information becomes useless to a thief, because a lender or creditor will not be able to access the report. Remember that there are three different credit report companies: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. They each charge about five dollars for this service, and further resources regarding the procedure can be found on their respective websites. If your credit report is frozen, no one will be able to obtain a loan or credit card in your name.

It's important to keep tabs on your bank statements, and credit report resources (there is an abundance of websites that allow you to access your credit reports). Check your bank statements at least once a month, and your credit report about three times a year. Be on the watch for any unauthorized charges on them, and check your credit card statement as well.

If you ever become the victim of identity theft, you can fill out and identity theft incident report with the police - make sure you keep a copy for your records, as many banks and creditors will want to see it. It is also handy resource for prosecuting any thief who may be apprehended.

Richard Barthallo reports on issues affecting homeowners for Kansas City Missouri Water Damage Restoration and Kansas City Missouri Flood Damage Cleanup

Tags: culture, scams, theft, preventing, resources, for, society, identity, missouri