Moving Concerns – Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft

Every time you change your address, you become susceptible to identity theft. You need to know why it’s possible for thieves to steal your information and use it to their benefit. By getting yourself properly informed, you can make sure that all vulnerabilities are dealt with before moving to a new home.

Identity theft generally occurs when a person gains access to your personal information and use it to use your credit cards, gain access to your bank account or even create fake documents using your name. When people move, it often becomes easier for identity thieves to attack since people mostly leave valuable information behind that others can possibly use. Identity theft is highly likely if you fail to reroute mail to your new address, shred important papers which are just left in the garbage can, or if you happen to hire rogue movers.

To avoid identity theft, make sure to do the following things:

Create a Checklist of Change of Address – Before moving day, ensure that you spare enough time to list all companies and subscriptions you receive via postal system. Mail theft is one of the most common and easiest methods that somebody can acquire your personal identity. This does not necessarily mean though that those people who are going to live in your old home after you move out are not trustworthy enough; it’s just that people often throw out mails that don’t belong to them. Thus, don’t forget to make a list. Try to imagine every possible situation and who might contact you through mail, including your former employers, school of your children, banks, real estate agents, lawyer offices, magazine and newspaper subscriptions and credit card companies.

Destroy Records and Files Properly – Get rid of those files and records you don’t need any more. However, be sure to do so properly. Shred documents well and if there are any vulnerable information like bank statements or credit card applications, you can bring those to professional shredding companies who can dispose of the materials properly. Alternatively, you can buy a home paper shredder that can shred things like old credit cards.

Take Important Documents With You – If you’re going to move important documents, don’t pack them along with your other household belongings that will be moved through the moving truck. Instead, pack them very carefully and take them with you in the car. If you must stop by a hotel, don’t forget to take the documents into the room. Never leave them in your car, just to be safe.

Hire Reliable Chicago Movers – Hiring trustworthy Chicago movers is the best way to make sure that your possessions reach your home in the safest way possible. It’s quite a difficult task but you need to take some time to do your research and shortlist companies in order to select the best one that fits your needs. Ask the right questions and be wary of rogue movers.

Make a Complete Home Inventory – If you’re thoroughly aware of which stuff you’ve packed and what things the movers will move, then it would be quicker to find out what could be missing. Keep track of your household belongings by taking a home inventory. It’s also necessary in case you need to make a claim or report the moving company.

Check Up the Address Changes After Moving – After the move, check your change of address list again and contact those that could pose a risk in security like credit card companies, banks, etc. Inquire if they have your new address and if they have rerouted the mail.

Hiring trustworthy movers like New City Moving will help to ease the stress of moving, and make sure you have the best experience possible. For a free moving estimate give us a call toll free at 800-733-6644.

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