You'll also get a free copy of your credit score report -- examine it and stay involved with the credit score bureaus till they correct any fraudulent fees or accounts you find there. Bank card companies limit your liability on fraudulent purchases, and you can dispute false costs. A financial savings account that has no checks issued and isn't linked to any debit card will be much harder for a thief to gain access to. If you retain a big amount of cash in your primary checking account, then all that money is vulnerable if someone steals your debit card or writes checks in your name. If you send mail, use safe, opaque envelopes so no one can learn account numbers or spot checks just by holding them up to the sunshine. Only use ATMs in safe, well-lit areas, and don't use the machine if somebody is standing too shut or wanting over your shoulder. |