Simply Your Life...
Prevent Identity Theft
What
is identity theft?
Protect
your social security number
Protect
your credit cards
Protect
your bank account
Be
sure to…
If
you are a victim of Identity Theft
What is Identity Theft?
Identity Theft occurs when someone wrongfully obtains and uses personal information not belonging to them to request credit, loans or even employment. Identity thieves need only your Social Security Number (SSN), name and address to wreck havoc on your good credit. With this information, they can access public records to learn where you are employed, where and when you were born, or even your mother’s maiden name. They use a variety of methods to gain access to this information, from stealing your wallet, purse or mail to sending you an authentic looking email from your financial institution requesting it. Once the necessary information is received, the applications begin – for credit cards, loans and anything else possible.
Identity Theft Prevention – Are you doing enough?
-
Protect your Social Security Number (SSN)
- Never carry documents, including your Social Security card, with this information on you.
- Never give your SSN by phone, even if you initiated the call.
- Never have your SSN printed on your checks.
- Request that your SSN not be used as a driver’s license number or for identification purposes at work.
- Destroy or keep pay stubs containing your SSN locked away.
-
Protect your credit cards
- If applying for credit at a store, inquire as to how they safeguard credit applications.
- Ask businesses their methods used for storing and disposing of credit card transaction slips.
- Never give your credit card number over the phone if you did not initiate the call.
- Sign credit cards in permanent ink as soon as they are received, or better yet – print ID Required in the allotted space.
- Carry with you only the credit cards you need for that particular trip.
- Shred all pre-approval offers and outdated credit card bills and receipts. Do not just throw them in the trash.
- Make a listing to store at home in a safe place of all credit card information – Name and type of credit card, address and telephone number of credit card company and complete credit card number and expiration date.
- Keep a watchful eye for your credit card statements. If you do not receive one, or a new card you are expecting does not arrive, contact the credit card issuing company immediately.
- When a credit card statement is received, check it carefully for unusual activity.
- Never write the credit card number on the check you send the credit card issuing company for payment.
- Never give your credit card information over the phone in a public place.
-
Protect your bank accounts
- Request that your financial institution add a special code or password to your account that will be required before completing financial transactions.
- Never write your ATM password down and keep it in your wallet or purse. Instead, keep it in written form at home in a discreet place.
- Do not print information on your checks other than your name, address and telephone number. This includes your SSN or driver’s license numbers.
- Mail your bills at the Post Office so there is no chance it can be removed from your mailbox without your knowledge.
- Shred all bank statements, cancelled checks and debit card receipts. Do not just throw them in the trash.
- Be aware of your surroundings when going to the ATM.
Be sure to…
- Review your credit report annually.
- Be wary of disclosing personal information
- Shred documents that you don’t need to retain – including credit card and bank statements, cancelled checks, receipts, utility bills, pre-approval offers, etc.
If you are a victim of Identity Theft
- Contact the fraud department of any of the three major credit reporting agencies. Placing an alert with one ensures the alert will be passed to all three:
Equifax
PO Box 105873
Atlanta , GA 30348
http://www.equifax.com
1-800-685-1111
Esperian
PO Box 2104
Allen , TX 75013-2104
http://www.experian.com
1-888-397-3742
Trans Union
PO Box 1000
Chester , PA 19022
http://www.transunion.com
1-800-916-8800 or
1-800-888-4213
- Close any accounts you believe were opened fraudulently or that you believe were tampered with. Should you need to, use the ID Theft Affidavit to dispute new accounts that were opened without your authorization.
- File a police report and ensure copies of it are readily available in case creditors request it.
- File a complaint with the FTC. This will ensure your case is listed in their database, which is accessed by law enforcement agencies for investigations.