In the course
of a busy day,
you may write a check at the grocery store, charge tickets to a
game, rent a car, mail your tax returns, use your cell phone,
order new checks, or apply for a credit card. Everyday transactions
that you may never give a second thought to are a chance for identity theft. These transactions require the sharing of
personal information: your bank and credit card account numbers; your
income, Social Security number and name, address and phone number. While you can't prevent id theft, you can minimize
your risk by managing your personal information wisely which will protect
identity.
Keep your
computer records safe with McAfee.com Personal Firewall.
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Keep online
transactions safe
using the temporary online shopping card number service with either of
the shown credit card companies.
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Check your credit
reports once a year with privista using
the link below.
Purchase a Design
Concepts Personal Paper Shredder.
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Purchase a Secure
Mailbox
Crime Prevention
Resources - Your resource for television programming
and videos to teach people how to protect themselves,
their businesses, and their children.
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How Identity Theft
Happens:
They
go through your trashcan, looking for straight cut or unshredded
papers.
They steal
your mail or your wallet.
They trick
you into giving them the information over the telephone or
by email.
They buy the
information either on the Internet or from someone who
might have stolen it.
They steal it
from a loan or credit application form
you filled out or from files at a hospital, bank, school or business
that you deal with. They may have obtained it from dumpsters outside of
such companies.
They get it
from your computer, especially those without firewalls.
They may be a
friend or relative or someone who works for you who has
access to your information.
Tips
to Avoid Identity Theft:
How can I prevent becoming an identity theft victim? While no
one can totally prevent id theft from occurring, here are some
positive steps to take which will decrease your risk.
Guard your
Social Security number. When possible, don't carry your
Social Security card with you.
Don't put
your SSN or drivers license number on your checks.
Guard your
personal information. You should never give
your Social Security number to anyone unless they have a good reason
for needing it.
Carefully
destroy papers you throw out, especially those with sensitive or
identifying information. A crosscut paper shredder works best.
Be
suspicious of telephone solicitors. Never provide information unless
you have initiated the call.
Delete without replying to any suspicious email requests.
Use a locked
mailbox to send and receive all mail.
Reduce the
number of preapproved credit card offers you receive
-888-5OPT OUT (they will ask for your SSN)
If you live
in a state that allows credit freezes you may choose this
option. (CA- go to www.privacy.ca.gov/financial/cfreeze.htm
)
What
should I do if I become an identity theft victim?
Consider contacting an identity theft lawyer. We also ask that
you contact the Federal Trade Commission. www.consumer.gov/idtheft
or 877-IDTHEFT and let them know.
Catching
Identity Theft Early
One of the best ways to
catch identity theft is to regularly check your credit record. Order
your credit report from each of the three
major credit bureaus each year and make sure information is
correct. Also, follow up with creditors if your bills do not arrive on
time. A missing credit card bill could mean an identity thief has taken
over your account and changed your billing address.
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