Watch for Identity Theft During a Move
Thursday, August 5th, 2010Moving is always hectic even if you hire a service to do it for you. When moving you typically loose track of just about everything you own as it disappear into matching boxes with magic marker scribbles on top. So it’s no wonder that a move is a time when you are more vulnerable to identity theft. Many people throw out a lot of unnecessary papers and open their homes to movers who have access to their belongings. It’s a crazy time but don’t leave yourself open to identity theft, with a couple consideration you could be a lot better off.
When considering throwing away unwanted papers shred them before you do so. You don’t always know what information you are just throwing away! Make sure to shred everything that could potentially have any identifying information on it. If you don’t have a shredder go out and buy one, they are not that expensive and typically last pretty long.
Forward your mail ahead of time. As soon as you know your new address make sure you schedule it to be forwarded to your new address through the post office. It’s a simple thing, but you can’t imagine how many people don’t do this. You don’t want the new residence of your house or apartment gaining access to your mail. You could receive something sensitive and it could be sent right to them.
When the movers arrive make sure you have all your sensitive information in a safe corner where the movers understand they are not to go through. Many moving companies don’t move important documents anyway so they won’t have a problem with that. Make sure you stay home during the move to keep an eye on the movers. You don’t necessarily have to watch them just be home so they don’t feel they can go through your stuff without you knowing. If you follow these simple guild lines you will be a lot better off. Don’t let a move be more than just a move, protect yourself from identity theft.