Some of the things we take for granted here at Nationwide Debt Reduction, we think everyone else already knows.  That is not necessarily the case.  Therefore, we thought we would jot them down for you to help you from being the victim for identity theft, one of the fastest growing crimes in America today.

1.   Do not put your social security number or personal phone number on your checks.  In addition, should you have a Post Office Box, we suggest you use that address instead of your home address. If you have any of this information on your checks now, please change them to reflect this.
2.   Make a photo copy the front and back of all of the pertinent information you have in your purse or wallet.  These include your credit cards, driver’s license, etc.  This way, if you lose your purse or wallet, you can call the DMV and your creditors and let them know right away you have lost these items. Obviously, keep this information in a safe place at home.
3.   When paying your bills, never put your full account number in the bottom of the “notes” section.  The last four numbers of your account is fine.  Credit card companies already know who you are.  This is just a friendly reminder for you and them.
4.   We suggest that you DO NOT sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put a note on there that states: Photo ID Required. This way you ensuring the cashier or whomever is using your credit card/ATM card double checks that you are who you say you are.
5.   If you feel you have become the victim of identity theft, file a police report right away.  This does two things, the creditors will ask you to do it anyway and you can put a security freeze on your credit report for free.

Below is a list of important information you should have with the photocopies of your information listed in item # 2.  You will want to call them immediately.

FTC ID Theft Hotline: 877-438-4338

1.) Equifax:   1-800-525-6285  

2.) Experian: 888-397-3742

3.) Trans Union: 800-680-7289

Finally, as an Arizona company, we ran into an insurance agency that we highly recommend in your live in this state. The company is Arizona Home Insurance. You can reach them by phone at 480-659-0229 or simply click on the link top their site.