Identity Theft and planning your Wedding

Most people don't think about it but identity theft can happen at anytime to anyone, even while planning your wedding.

So I found some great tips from Identity Truth to help make sure that your identity is not stolen during your wedding planning experience.

• Definitively make the decision to either keep your maiden name or assume your spouse’s name – using both leaves room for error, as it would be difficult to keep track of where you’re using one versus the other.
  
• Keep marriage license and other personal documents locked in a safe and secure place.
  
• Make sure your SSN does not appear on the marriage license,
  · Do not give out your social security number when planning a wedding, unless you’re securing a government document, e.g. passport, social security card. Give only the “minimum” amount of personal information to vendors.
  
• When applying for a new driver’s license request that something other than your SSN be used as a unique identifier.
  
  
• When changing the address on existing credit cards, speak with the credit card issuer, as some will presume this is fraud and automatically cancel the card.
  
• Closely monitor your credit report for new incidents/events perpetrated by somebody using your maiden name.
  
• Fill out a National Change of Address Form (NCOA) to have your mail forwarded to your new address.
  
• Decide how you will filling for taxes (jointly or separately) and file early with the correct name
  
• Be proactive and sign-up for an identity protection service.

Happy Planning,

Shafonne

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