Safe Bride: ID theft and getting married‏

While it might not be the most fun or glamorous part of getting married, there are considerable financial implications involved in the process, from changing your name to combining your financial records. While couples are wrapped up in the details of planning a wedding, they can become easy targets for identity thieves if they don’t take preventative measures.

I wanted to share a list of tips authored by Steven Domenikos, CEO of IdentityTruth, for protecting against identity theft. Here’s a quick sampling of these tips for you to consider:

· 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 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.

· Decide how you will filling for taxes (jointly or separately) and file early with the correct name