We're all faced with two related problems. One is an overflowing number of offers for new credit cards, and concern about protecting your identity (and credit) from theft.
Stop that flood of inviting credit card offers with the help of the (generally not-so-helpful) big three credit reporting agencies. A link on the Federal Trade Commission website has some very helpful information on ways to stem the flow of offers. They also have links to the National Do-Not-Call Registry which should keep any legitimate commercial entities (with which you do not already have an existing relationship) from contacting you unbidden.
Not only does this keep junk out of your mailbox, it also provides fewer opportunities for those who might slip one out of your mailbox for untoward purposes.
Keeping a regular eye on your credit details and score can help you discover earlier any discrepancies in your record. Another link on the FTC website explains how you can receive (for free, annually) your credit report from each of the big three credit reporting agencies.
Also, for those who still pay regular bills via regular post, consider this reason for going online with your bill-paying. Those stamped envelopes you place in your mailbox (to await your letter carrier) are easy prey for those who can then empty out your checking account writing forged, duplicated checks. Pay electronically, or take those outgoing paper payments directly to the post office (or to wherever they'll be safely picked up by the post), not in your mailbox by the street.
23 January 2008
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