3. Late Bills Aren’t Always a Good Thing
If a bill doesn’t show up when it’s supposed to, avoid breathing a sigh of relief. Start to wonder if your mail has been stolen.
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4. That’s Me…
…driving through your neighborhood at 3 a.m. on trash day. I fill my trunk with bags of garbage from different houses, then sort later.
You throw away the darnedest things-preapproved credit card applications, old bills, expired credit cards, checking account deposit slips, and crumpled-up job or loan applications with all your personal information. It’s why you should always shred these before you throw them out.
6. It’s Easy
A helpful hint: I’d never use a credit card with a picture on it.
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7. It’s Easy to Impersonate You
I can call the electric company, pose as you, and say, “Hey, I thought I paid this bill. I can’t remember-did I use my Visa or MasterCard? Can you read me back that number?” I have to be in character, but it’s unbelievable what they’ll tell me.
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9. Your Unlocked Mailbox is a Gold Mine
I can steal your account numbers, use the convenience checks that come with your credit card statement, and send in pre-approved credit offers to get a card in your name. Stealing mail is easy. Sometimes, I act like I’m delivering flyers. Other times, I just stand there and riffle through it. If I don’t look suspicious, your neighbors just think I’m a friend picking up your mail.
(Photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock)
15. Sometimes I Pose as a Salesman
I go into a small office, and after I make my pitch, I ask the secretary to make me a copy. Since most women leave their purses on the floor by their chairs, as soon as they leave the room, I grab their wallet. I also check the top and bottom right-hand drawers of their desks, where I often find company checks.
(Photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock)
18. Convenience Has a Cost
Sure, it may be nice not to have to put in your password when you use an unsecured Wi-Fi connection. But know this: We have software that can scoop up all the data your computer transmits, including your passwords and other sensitive information.
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