FOUR IMMEDIATE actions' you can take TODAY
to protect your privacy
When dealing with people asking for personal information, use the FIVE "W's" as your guide: Use WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY, and HOW.
One: NEVER EVER offer your personal information to anyone before asking the following questions of him or her - and you get a satisfactory answer.
*** Ask WHO are they, and WHY do they want the information they are asking you for. Don't accept the answer that "it's company policy". WHEN you give them your personal information, ask them HOW will they use it in the future (Example: for their mailings, advertising, marketing, etc), and WHERE can you go in THEIR organization - to ask for further inquiry, if you have further questions.
Two: Provide as little information on the outside payment envelopes as humanly possible. Don't scribble your account number on the envelope (so as to make it easy for them to read). Remember, lot's of eyes will be seeing that envelope before it gets to the payment center. Absolutely don't write your credit card number on your checks, and don't keep your personal "PIN" numbers and "passwords" in your purse of wallet _ EVER.
Three: PROTECT YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER. A lot of companies will request your SS number (as a matter of habit). Politely ask them if another form of ID will be adequate. If they really want your SS number, ask them for a reason for it and how they will protect it from prying eyes once it leaves your hands.
Four: SHRED and destroy anything that has your personal information attached to it. Dumpster Divers love to gather information about you from canceled checks, old receipts and bank deposit slips. Don't just toss this information in the trash and assume it safe from prying eyes, because it's not.
Until next time...BE SAFE
