Identity Theft
How to protect yourself!
What is Identity theft?
It’s stealing someone’s personal information and using it to commit fraud or theft. Identity theft is a serious crime.
Identity thieves prey on anything that reveals personal information.
They use it to find out a victim’s:
· Name
· Address and date of birth
· Social Security number (SSN)
· Telephone or cellular phone number
· Bank account or credit card numbers
· Other personal information, such as passwords and family names
It’s a growing problem.
For the victim, it can mean:
· Denial of credit and loan applications
· Bad credit ratings
· False arrests and criminal records
· High costs correcting the problem
· Devastating loss of privacy and security
Identity thieves get personal information in many ways.
They may:
Practice “dumpster diving,” or garbage picking, to get information from trash found at homes or workplaces
Steal wallets or purses, for IDs, credit cards and other information (or they can enter your home to steal personal data)
Steal mail, such as bank statements bills, credit card offers and tax information
Pose as a rental agent or employer to get credit reports
Go online to steal information you may share on the internet
Pay an “insider” at a store or at work who has access to personal information
Victims can have their identities stolen for months or years and not even know it!
Your personal information is valuable!
Identity thieves can use it to:
Drain your bank account, by using your check or debt cards
Open new credit card accounts and run up bills in your name
Open new accounts in your name and use them to write bad checks
Buy cars with auto loans in your name
Establish phone or wireless service, or accounts with utility companies in your name
Give a new mailing address to your credit card company while stacking up charges on your account (you may not be aware there’s a problem for some time)
But there’s a lot you can do to protect yourself!
Protect your personal information.
Beware of identity thieves. Identity thieves can use information you give by mail or phone or over the internet. Never give out personal information, such as credit card numbers, unless you initiated the contact.
Ask questions, before revealing personal data, find out:
- · How will it be used?
- · Will it be shared?
- · Can I choose to keep it confidential?
Check your billing dates.
Contact your creditors or other institutions if monthly statements don’t arrive on time. Review all statements closely and watch out for extra charges.
Lighten your wallet. Carry only the credit cards and personal information you need.
Protect your mail and other documents.
- · Use collection boxes or a local post office to deposit outgoing mail.
- · Collect incoming mail promptly.
- · Tear or shred unwanted credit and other offers, receipts and personal records before throwing them away.
Common sense is key.
Be smart on the internet.
- · Shop only at secured Web sites. Look for the closed padlock at the bottom of your browser or http:// in the address. The “s” means secure.
- · Install up-to-date security software on your computer.
- · Use a credit card instead of a debit card.
- · Do some research, find out is a physical business address exists.
Be smart on the street.
- · Memorize your SSN and store your card safely
- · Only give out your SSN if absolutely necessary. Remember, you don’t have to give your SSN just because someone asks for it.
- · Be careful when using ATM cards. Make sure no one is watching you enter your PIN.
- · Always carry your wallet or purse safely, never leave it unattended in a shopping cart, at the beach, etc.
Report losses immediately.
Alert the police, your bank and credit card companies.
If you are a victim of identity theft or think you may be:
- · Contact the fraud departments of each of the major credit bureaus.
- · Contact the security or fraud departments at each of your creditors and follow up with a letter.
- · File a report with the police in your community.
Check your credit report at least once a year. Contact the creditor if a report seems incorrect.
Contact the Federal Trade Commission’s Identity Theft Hotline.
Call 1-877-438-4338 or 1-202-326-2502 (TDD)
Or visit their Web site at www.consumer.gov/idtheht
Monitor your credit report.
Here’s how to contact the 3 main credit bureaus in the U.S.:
- v Equifax (www.equifax.com)
For credit reports call: 1-800-685-1111
To report a fraud call: 1-800-525-6285, 1-800-2550056 (TDD)
- v Experian (www.experian.com)
For credit reports call: 1-888-397-3742
To report a fraud call: 1-888-397-3742, 1-800-972-0322 (TDD)
- v TransUnion (www.transunion.com)
For credit reports call: 1-800-916-8800
To report a fraud call: 1-800-680-7289, 1-877-553-7803 (TDD)
Take steps to day to keep your good name in good standing!