When most people think of Bellevue, they tend to think of it as nothing more…
Most people don’t think about securing their identity when they’re moving. Surprisingly, more than 12 million consumers fell victim to identity theft in 2012, making it more problematic than ever before. You may not realize it, but when you move your identity is more vulnerable than ever before. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the day and forget to pack personal items like old ID cards, medical records, and financial information.
There are a few ways that you can go about keeping yourself protected while moving to Bellevue, WA.
Pack Certain Items by Yourself
For some, taking advantage of packing services from a Bellevue moving company seems like a no-brainer because it’s easier. If you choose to go that route, there are certain items that you should still pack yourself. By packing these items yourself you will know where they items are and how you packed them, in case you notice they’ve been tampered with. The items you should pack yourself include:
- – Cash or jewelry
- – Financial documents and personal identification
- – CD documentation, social security cards, licenses
- – Legal documents such as deeds, wills, and car and home titles
- – Medical records
- – Personal mementos like family photo albums
- – Personal papers
Any of these items can be used to create a fake identity under your name or likeness. If you pack these items by yourself you will have peace of mind, knowing your identity is safe.
Use a Reputable Bellevue Moving Company and Supervise the Moving Process
Using a moving company with a good reputation is key. You can find out about a company through online review forums such as Yelp or Angie’s List. Take time to read the reviews and ask your friends and family for recommendations as well. Call the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and check to see if they’re registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
When you find a Bellevue moving company that fits your needs, be there the whole day to supervise. Your presence alone can be enough to deter any identity theft. You can also create a “do not enter” room in your new house to put certain personal belongings. You will create space and put more distance between the moving company and your belongings, deterring potential identity theft even more.
Monitor Financial Statements and Change Address
After the move is over, make sure you check your financial statements and keep monitoring them for any strange or suspicious activity. You can enroll in a service like Identity Guard. It monitors the digital black market, alerting you if your Social Security number, credit cards, or bank account numbers are ever posted.
It’s also important to remember to change your address! If you don’t, your mail could go to your old address and right into the hands of someone ready to commit identity theft.
At On the Go Moving and Storage in Bellevue, WA, we take extreme care and pride in our work and treat your belongings as if they were our own. We are a trusted, BBB accredited business. Our qualified professionals are trained to handle your belongings with the utmost care and efficiency. We also offer a storage unit service, secured under ADT security systems and 24/7 surveillance should you need to store your belongings.
