Personal Financial Fraud & Identity Theft

By | December 14, 2011 | Finances

For many citizens, keeping track of necessary bill payments is a necessity. All, if not, all households need to survive on a monthly budget. Others find financial matters quite interesting that is why it comes naturally for them to manage their income and expenses. However, this is not true for all individuals and families. People who have physical disabilities and other health issues often need to put more effort to be able to pay their bills on time or organize all financial documents. Recently, many money management programs for seniors have started. These can help people maintain their independence through methods that facilitate bills payment in a timely manner. Other alternatives include the services of accountant, bookkeepers, and banks. All these systems reduce errors, ensure on-time payment, and reduce the risk of getting scammed.

Fraud and unfair business practices are common occurrences. It is becoming more and more essential to be informed of the unscrupulous manners through which people can get your hard-earned money. Here are some examples: fake charities and lotteries, door-to-door scams, home repair swindlers and phony surveys can sometimes be directed at senior citizens. What they are out to get are important personal information so that scammers can gain accesses to your finances. Keep particular information, like your social insurance number, as private as possible. This is also true for personal identification numbers (PIN), access codes, verification questions and passwords. Some people and institutions know your SIN like the federal government, your employer, and personnel responsible for tax-related documentation. Sometimes, providing this information will be optional. Never give it away as a response to an email or call even if it is for verification. On the other hand, your PIN should never be shared with anyone or any institution.

Paper receipts and other financial documents must remain private as well. This is especially true when your account number is printed on it. Destroy withdrawal and other transaction slips that you on longer need. If a check needs to be written once again, be sure to tear the incorrect one. By indicating the exact name of the person or institution receiving it, the chances of the funds going to an unauthorized individual will be significantly reduced. Applying to an online banking service gives you a more convenient and updated means of checking financial activities.

Fraud and theft can be done through credit and ATM cards. Be sure to sign the back portion of the card upon its activation. Cut all expired cards and new cards that are unwanted. Also contact the card provider to cancel the account. This will guarantee that no one else can use the account under your name. Pay attention when your cards are swiped by cashiers to make sure that it is rightfully returned to you. This also decreases the chance of it getting swiped for the second time. If it is possible, swipe cards yourself. Always confirm the amount and items before signing the transaction slip.

Banks work together with their clients for protection against fraud. They will report any suspicious activity like certain ones that differ greatly from your usual banking transaction. The customer will be called in order to verify that the card has not been lost or if it is in the possession of the rightful owner.

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Category: Finances
Keywords: finance,privacy,identity theft,personal finance,Alberta Privacy Laws,bankrtuptcy