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Identity Theft |
- NEVER carry your Social Security card on your person. Store it in a safe place.
- Give your Social Security number ONLY WHEN NECESSARY. Always ask to use an alternate type of identification.
- NEVER give personal information over the telephone unless you initiate the call.
- NEVER answer unsolicited email requests for personal information even if the source appears legitimate.
- Request and review your credit bureau reports ANNUALLY from ALL three credit reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion). Credit bureaus are not in the business of protecting personal information. They are in the business of making a profit by collecting and selling information. They are not required to verify this information with consumers. For example, an imposter can change your address by filing a change of address card with the post office. The credit bureau will change their files to reflect your "new" address without verifying it with you first. The "new" address is sold to financial institutions, marketing firms, and insurance companies who then fill your imposter's mailbox with pre-approved applications in your name.
- PLACE PASSWORDS on all of your financial accounts such as bank, credit cards, telephone, cell phone, and investment accounts. Change the passwords about every six months. Do not carry a list of your PIN numbers or passwords on your person. Refrain from using your mother's maiden name as a password. In addition, NEVER give your mother's maiden name when applying for credit. Most institutions will accept an alternate identifier. Your child's name, spouse's name, or pet's name are also unsafe passwords. NEVER use your address, date of birth, or any portion of your Social Security number as a PIN or password. Safe passwords or PIN numbers are a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using consecutive letters or numbers such as abcd or 1234.
- DO NOT give personal information over a cell or portable phone. These transmissions are easily monitored.
- KNOW the date you should receive your bank and credit card statements. A missing statement could indicate a thief has changed your address and diverted your mail. Contact the bank or credit card company immediately.
- REVIEW your bank and credit card statements immediately upon receipt to detect unauthorized transactions.
- CHECK your telephone and cell phone bills for calls you did not make.
- CARRY only the credit cards that are necessary. Cancel the cards you do not use.
- KEEP personal papers in a safe place.
- TAKE outgoing mail to the post office. Do not leave mail unattended in an outside, open, or unsecured mailbox.
- PROMPTLY remove mail from your mailbox once it has been delivered.
- STOP mail while on vacation.
- SHOP only with the online merchants you know. Many e-businesses are extensions of brick-and-mortar establishments. Remember that online shopping is no different than shopping off-line. You will find reputable and disreputable businesses in both worlds. Even if you know the merchant, make sure the site is secure before entering your credit card information. The URL, or web site address, should begin with "https." A graphic, such as a lock, should appear in the bottom right corner of your browser bar.
- Before ordering online, read the company's privacy policy. If a privacy policy does not exist, contact the company and request one. This information is vital. You need to know how they intend to use your personal information.
- NEVER give your bank account numbers or Social Security number to an online merchant.
- USE a low-limit credit card for online shopping.
- CHECK the Better Business Bureau's website for information about the company before shopping online. Look for the BBB Online Reliability Seal on the website.
- REPORT your identity theft to the police and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Additional information may be found at the following web locations:
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