Identity Theft

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM IDENTITY THEFT

Identity Theft occurs when someone wrongfully uses your personal identification to obtain credit, loans, services, even rentals and mortgages in your name. They may even commit crimes while impersonating you! Identity Theft is a frightening and overwhelming experience if it does happen to you. You may not know it is happening for months or years. Please also know that these protective measures will not guarantee that a criminal will not get access to your credit from a "less than cautious" credit grantor. As you know, there are many ways to steal private information about you (i.e., anyone who has access to your social security number and other identifying information.) All of these offices have your information: Your doctor, accountant, lawyer, loan officer, health insurance, schools, courts, etc. A shady employee of these people could steal your identity! Remember, you don't have to lose your wallet or have it stolen to become a victim of identity theft. In addition, here are some other things that you should do to protect your privacy, which will help to reduce the risk of Identity Theft.

PREVENTION:

1. Buy a cross-cut type shredder (you can purchase cross-cut type shredder very cost effectively for approximately $60 - $70.) Shred all your important papers and especially pre-approved credit applications received in your name and other financial information that provides access to your private information. Don't forget to shred your credit card receipts.

2. Be careful at ATM's and using Phone Cards. "Shoulder Surfers" can get your "Pin Number" and get access to your accounts.

3. Get all of your checks delivered to your bank - not to your home address. Don't put your full name on your checks, use your initials so they don't know how you actually sign them. Use an alternative phone number or address so they you aren't giving them all then critical information they need to impersonate them.

4. When paying your credit card bills don not put your full account number on your check. Just listing the last four will allow them to identify your account.

5. Do not put checks in the mail from your home mailbox. Drop them off at a U.S. Mailbox or the U.S. Post Office. Mail theft is common. It's easy to change the name of the recipient on the check with an acid wash.

6. When you order new credit cards in the mail, or your previous ones have expired, watch the calendar to make sure that you get the card within the appropriate time. If it is not received by a certain date, call the credit card grantor immediately and find out if the card was sent. Find out if a change of address was filed if you don't receive the card or a billing statement.

7. Get a copy of your free annual credit report from the three bureaus to make sure someone is not opening new accounts in your name. Cancel all credit cards that you do not use or have not used in 6 months. Thieves use these very easily -open credit is a prime target.

8. Put passwords on all your accounts and do not use your mother's maiden name. Make up a fictitious word.

9. Get a post office box or a locked mailbox, if you possibly can.

10. Ask all financial institutions, doctors' offices, etc., what they do with your private information and make sure that they shred it and protect your information. Tell them why.

11. Empty your wallet of all extra credit cards and social security numbers, etc. Do not carry any identifiers you do not need. Don't carry your birth certificate, social security card, or passport, unless necessary.

12. Memorize social security numbers and passwords.

13. Make a copy, front and back of all the credit cards, etc. you carry in your wallet. Store in a safe place so that it is handy if your wallet is stolen or lost you will have who to call immediately.

14. When a person calls you at home or at work, and you do not know this person, never give out any of your personal information. If they tell you they are a credit grantor of yours call them back at the number that you know is the true number, and ask for that party to discuss personal information. Provide only information that you believe is absolutely necessary.

15. Do not put your social security number on your checks or your credit receipts. If a business requests your social security number, give them an alternate number and tell them why. They do not need that to identify you. If a government agency requests your social security number, there must be a privacy notice accompanying the request.

16. Get credit cards and business cards with your picture on them.

17. Do not put your credit card account number on the Internet (unless it is encrypted on a secured site.) Don't put account numbers on the outside of envelopes, or on your checks.

18. When you are asked to identify yourself at schools, employers, or any other kind of institutional identification, ask to have an alternative to your social security number. Unfortunately, your health insurance carrier often uses your social security number as your identification number. Try to change that if you can.

19. Monitor all your bank statements from every credit card every month. Check to see if there is anything that you do not recognize and call the credit grantor to verify that it is truly yours.

20. Immediately correct all mistakes on your credit reports in writing. Send those letters Return Receipt Requested, and identify the problems item by item with a copy of the credit report back to the credit reporting agency. You should hear from them within 30 days.

21. Take your name off all promotional lists. Call the three credit reporting agency numbers to opt out of pre-approved offers.

23. Write to your State and Federal Legislators to demand stronger privacy protection. Also, ask that identity theft be considered a crime in your State. Demand that the State Finance and Banking Committees pass legislation to protect consumers from negligent bank and credit reporting practices.

24. Consider making your phone an unlisted number or just use an initial. If you are the victim of identity theft or your wallet being stolen be sure to notify the police, your credit card companies, utilities and Social Security.

Share:

«Back to Topics Index