Identity Theft On The Rise - Protect Yourself

In a day and age when technology seems to rule a big part of our lives, it is important to make sure that our “identity” is protected. As we have all read the horror stories of the victims of identity theft, there are steps we can take to protect ourselves and our personal information.

For starters we should be clear about what identify is and how we are identified as individuals in this high tech world we live in. Identity theft occurs when our personal information is collected without our permission and utilized, most of the time, for criminal activity. What personal information do these people target?

1.      Your Name 

2.      Address 

3.      Birth Date 

4.      Social Security Number (SSN) 

5.      Credit Card Numbers 

6.      and Other Personal Identification Numbers

This is the type of information someone would need to open credit card or bank accounts, apply for cellular phone service, purchase vacations packages, forward your mail, etc. So how can you protect yourself from this information getting into the wrong hands?

1. If asked to provide personal information, ask why is it needed, how will it used, if it will be shared and with whom.
2. Carry the least amount of personal information with you as possible.
3. When asked for your credit number over the phone or internet, make sure that you know who you are dealing with and the communication line is secure.
4. It’s always a good idea to take extra security measures when dealing over the internet (i.e. digital signatures and data encryption).
5. Knowing your billing cycles can prove to be very useful should you not receive your bills in the mail. This could help in determining if you mail has been illicitly redirected.
6. Order your credit report at least once a year and review for any inaccuracies or any unusual activity.
7. Report lost or stolen credit cards immediately.
8. You can also request that your accounts require passwords before any inquiries or changes can be made
9. Choosing the right password is extremely important. You don’t want anything obvious and you DON’T want to write them down.
10. Always protect your pin number when using debit machines, bank machines or telephones.
11. Review your credit card cardholder agreement. A number of companies offer protection from credit card fraud.
12. Lastly, be aware of your garbage. Anything with the above mentioned personal information on it should not just be thrown out. Shredding this type of documentation (especially financial statements, receipts, etc.) is an effective step in preventing identity theft.

Taking the necessary steps above to protect your identity is not difficult. It’s as simple as being aware of what these identity thieves are looking for and arming yourself with the knowledge on how to properly protect your personal information.

Denver Real Estate Update

Before you step foot into the first home you look at, it's a good idea to thoughtfully determine your wants and needs, and the difference between the two! By analyzing your needs you will be able to get a clear picture of exactly what you want your new home to look like and how it should function for you. Once you're in the thick of viewing homes, it's all too easy to fall in love with someone’s decorating or a home’s outstanding architecture – and to completely overlook that there aren't enough bedrooms or bathrooms to fit your needs.

First, you should write down why you're looking for a home. For example, are you currently renting and would like to have a home where you can begin building equity? Maybe you have outgrown your existing home or changed jobs which required you to move to a new city. These factors will all have an impact on how you approach your home search.

It is important to identify what you envision your home to look like and what features it should have. Writing this down helps to avoid ambiguity later in the home search process. You should make at least two lists:

• Describe everything you would ideally like.
• List the features of the home that are an absolute must. 

It is most likely that you will blend the two lists into one as you progress through the homebuying process. This is a natural and evolutionary process that becomes clearer as you determine what you want and what is available.

If you live in the Denver, Colorado area are would like to learn more about our First-Time Homebuyer Program and how the new Tax Credit that is available, please visit my website to register.