Wednesday, April 20, 2011

What the FBI told me....


I had the opportunity to hear a talk about Identity Theft from an FBI agent a few weeks ago... and it was enlightening.  I was a bit intimidated by this super cool woman, but she was so down to earth and actually quite sweet.  So, let me tell you a few things I learned:

- Always place outgoing mail, especially with checks inside, directly into public mailboxes.  This avoids the opportunity for someone to steal your mail and get your account and routing numbers from your check.

-SHRED anything you wouldn't want a criminal to know.... social security number, account numbers, etc.  Don't worry about your address since that can be found very easily.

-Keep your passwords protected (don't write them down on a post-it by your computer!) and make them a bit complicated.  Think of words, nicknames, or numbers that only you would know.

-Be careful with what you put on social media... how easy would it be for a criminal to figure out your mother's maiden name, pet's name, city you were born in?  These facts are usually all that keeps them from accessing your accounts.  

Just be careful, out there, k?  And don't leave your purse in your car.  

~Leah

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