Is anyone else paranoid about identity theft?

Question

I do not apply in stores for credit cards because I do not want to give the cashier my SSN.I do not accept ANY telemarketing calls.I dont like to pay for things over the phone with credit cards, because then someone has my credit card number.

Answer 1

oh yes I'm very careful about doing business on the net and in public places

Answer 2

unfortunately you have to be very careful...they say to never pay for anything over the phone or apply for contests etc. that require too much personal info. also make sure you only run your debit card as a credit card or just use a credit card for your everyday purchases and then pay it off every month. the reason is last holiday season there were hackers that got into some of the major databases and when you enter your pin number for your debit card it shows up in code on the master 'list' so they not only had your bank account number but they had your personal code too. most stores were popular retail outlets like walmart, penny's, macy's etc. its scary to think someone could steal your identity and you're right to be careful. also check on clark howard's website for the place you go to get your free credit report (all three agencies)...you are able to get one every 6 months to a year and you can check to see what credit has been taken out in your name and who has been running reports on you. if there is a problem you can contact them directly. its good idea to check it at least once every six months to make sure no one is getting into your credit.

Answer 3

I'm a victim of identity theft. The thieves spent over 11K in my name using my credit cards and checks. You doing the right thing by protecting your SSN and rejecting telemarketing calls. You should get on the do not call list: https://www.donotcall.gov/default.aspx

There is also a way to stop credit card applications. Check out this page: http://www.kuro5hin.org/story/2004/3/1/13940/79585

If you receive credit card applications - shred them, don't rip them up.

Answer 4

You can never be too careful about protecting your identity .. but I wouldn't go nuts over it. Just get a credit report every 3 months to check to see if everything looks right on there and if it doesn't, then the credit report has the phone numbers too all of the companies on your credit report to talk to them. Hope this helps :)

Answer 5

NO... paranoia is the UNREASONABLE fear of something.

Identity theft is REAL and PREVALENT.

I've you've not yet been a victim yourself... certainly you know several people who HAVE.

My 82 year old ex-Parents-in-laws - the woman being in a wheelchair recently took a trip from LOME, South AFRICA to PARIS and back. Despite the fact that it's a MAJOR PRODUCTION to get her to the DOCTORS... she was able to "pull off this trip" without anyone knowing it.

Yep, you're right... an ENGLISH travel Agency used her credit card.

LOOK... this is NOT paranoia! it's COMMON SENSE.

Answer 6

THERE ARE DIFFERENT WAY TO HAVE YOUR ID STOLEN THAN THE ABOVE YOUR HOME OWNERS INSURANCE SHOULD HAVE ID THEFT YOU CAN HAVE THIS ADDED TO YOUR POLICY IF YOU ARE THAT PARANOID I DEAL WITH PEOPLES SS NUMBERS AND CREDIT CARDS ALL DAY LONG.........I'M JUST ONE OF THE HONEST PEOPLE. BUT I KNOW WHERE YOU ARE COMING FROM.

Answer 7

I am, I shred everything the postman brings, destroy labels off medicine bottles and boxes, have my zone alarm settings on maximum.

Answer 8

I'm not paranoid-- why's everyone against me?
Who would want to steal my identity?

Answer 9

Way to play it safe. I never even think about it.

Answer 10

Nope I'm not paranoid... I figure if they want to be me then "good luck" to them.