Four Quick Tips to Avoid Financial Fraud in 2010

During any economic downturn the prevalence of fraud increases, and in 2010 consumers need to be more vigilant than every about various scams to steal their money, financial identities, or both. Here are three ways to help protect yourself and your bank and credit card accounts from thieves and criminals intent on sabotaging your savings and taking advantage of your good name and credit history.
Invest in a Paper Shredder
Old bank statements, canceled checks, purchase receipts and various other financial documents may be your trash, but they are a con artist or thief’s gold mine. Buy a shredder and use it to shred up all documents related to your finances or other personal information, otherwise they may be plucked from your garbage or even from a public landfill and used against you.
Check your Credit History
Without paying for it you can order a copy of your credit report once a year and review it for discrepancies, mistakes, or evidence that someone else is tampering with it. Take advantage of this opportunity – otherwise someone with bad intentions may take advantage of you.
Guard Passwords and PINs
Once a thief has your password on personal identification number they can burrow down deep into your personal data and – if they are so inclined – wreak havoc on your finances or steal you blind while you aren’t even looking. So protect vital info like passwords by never writing them down and frequently updating them and making them harder to figure out or decode.
Beware of Phishing Schemes
One of the easiest ways to steal is to send you a notice by email that looks just like it came from your own financial institution. Cyber criminals can even use the same logo or create a fake website to convince you, but you should never reply to an email asking you to reply with any confidential info such as your social security number or account password. If you get an email and cannot tell if it is legitimate or not, just phone your bank or credit card company instead.
Shredding and guarding in 2010 could save you from a really damaging victimization by a financial fraud scheme, so be alert, follow common sense guidelines, and then enjoy a more stress-free and safe 2010.
Offshore Pro Group