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Do
shred all credit card offers and statements before
putting them in the trash. Simply tearing the
letter into a few pieces does not always work.
-
Don’t
print your social security number on your checks.
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DO
keep a list of your credit card and bank account
numbers and phone numbers in a safe place so if your
purse/wallet is stolen you can immediately call
them. The faster you act, the quicker the thief is
blocked.
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Don’t
keep your PIN in the same place as your credit cards
and/or ATM cards.
-
DO
bank online if possible. It’s easier and, so far,
it’s proven safer.
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Don’t
ever respond to an email claiming to be from your
bank that wants you to enter your account number or
any credit card numbers.
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If you take
part in online auctions, DO keep all
emails verifying your payment and all communications
from the seller until the deal is complete and you
are satisfied with the item. Use Paypal when
available. Paypal is very buyer friendly when it
comes to resolving disputes.
-
Don’t
respond to an email that claims to be from your
internet service provider asking you to resubmit or
verify your credit card information.
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When you go
away, DO be sure to have the post
office put a hold on your mail and have your
newspaper held.
-
Don’t
leave mail in your mail box for pick-up and be sure
to check your mail regularly.
-
If a
telemarketer calls and says you have won a prize but
you need to pay the taxes on it, the shipping fees
to send it, or the insurance to cover sending it –
DO HANG UP - it is a scam. Always get
the name and extension or employee number of the
telemarketer that you are talking to - especially if
you plan to purchase something.
-
For work on
your home or yard, DO find a reputable
company. Check their claims of licenses and
certifications and ask for references and check
them. If they refuse to provide references, Don’t
use them.
-
Before you
give a repairman any money, DO check
him out thoroughly. Get a written contract before
you pay a deposit or advance. Always get an
estimate from another licensed contractor before
signing a contract.
-
DO
get to know the person who organizes your
neighborhood watch program. Call him/her if you
suspect anything suspicious. Many times he/she will
already know about potential scams in the area.