Spring Break
Strive to hinder credit thieves
Issue date: 10/3/08 Section: Opinions
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Get your credit card information stolen, and then you'll recognize the similar pangs of anxiety induced by movie scenes as described above.
Over the weekend, I experienced my own fright fest when I realized someone had taken my credit information and attempted to make purchases that amounted to a very large sum of money - so large, in fact, that it would elicit an ever distinctive blood curdling scream from many of you.
Luckily for me, my credit card was flagged that day for suspicious activity and was blocked from being used.
After uttering my share of blippity-bleep-bleeps and amending the situation by calling my bank, ordering a new card and eagle-eyeing my online statement for any other suspicious purchases, it made me think about the person/persons responsible for stealing my information in the first place.
They took the liberty of taking my information and attempted to use it for their own self-indulgence.
Talk about feeling violated!
For those of you who don't think it could happen to you, go ahead and bury that thought in the graveyard because I used to be that person, too.
Now that it has happened to me, here are a few things to keep in min-d before someone takes a stab at your financials.
You always should take precautions with your personal information.
When it comes to items such as your Social Security number or card information, make sure to provide it them when necessary and refrain from sharing that information over the phone, online or in the mail.
If you make purchases online, be sure to use a firewall or a secure browser that will encrypt your information.
You might also want to clear your browser with any saved information in the event your computer stores information you use to fill out online forms.
When it comes to good ol' fashioned paper statements, be sure to shred old bank statements, credit statements or credit offers before you trash them.
Also, consider getting a credit report and check for any fraudulent purchases. As a consumer, you are entitled one free credit report.
For more information, you can visit www.annualcreditreport.com.
In addition, you can choose to opt out of receiving direct mail such as pre-approved credit card offers for up to five years by calling 1-888-5-OPTOUT.
Taking the necessary steps to protect your information may not completely shield you from identity or credit thieves, but it will make it more difficult for those people to obtain your information.
When it comes to you and your personal information, always be alert and use common sense.
You don't want to experience your own real-life rendition of a scary movie.
- May Advincula is a senior from Riverdale majoring in publication management.
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