ID Theft - February 2004
HOW CROOKS GET PERSONAL
INFORMATION & HOW TO HELP PREVENT IT
They go through your trash can looking for straight cut or unshredded papers.
SOLUTION: Always shred pre-approved credit applications, credit card receipts, bills and other financial information you dont want before throwing into the trash.
They steal your mail.
SOLUTION: Quickly remove mail from your mailbox or use a P.O. box. Deposit outgoing mail at the post office or in another secure receptacle.
They listen in on conversations you have in public.
SOLUTION: ALWAYS be aware of your surroundings.
They buy the information either on the Internet or from someone who might have stolen it.
SOLUTION: Regularly check your credit report for unauthorized accounts.
They steal it from a loan or credit application form you filled out or from files at a hospital, bank, school, car lot or business that you deal with. They may have obtained it from dumpsters outside of such companies.
SOLUTION: Ask questions of businesses you deal with as to how your information will be used and disposed of once no longer needed. Be aware of Assembly Bill 2246 (2000), which requires all banks and businesses to destroy paperwork containing customer's personal and financial information. The business must destroy it by 1) shredding 2) erasing 3) or modifying it in such a manner that it is unreadable or undecipherable. Customers can initiate civil action against the bank or business if they are the victim of identity theft or fraud as a result of them not destroying paperwork properly.
They get it from your computer, especially those without firewalls.
SOLUTION: Always use a firewall and virus protection on your computer if connected to the Internet. Keep all programs updated, including your operating system (i.e., Windows 98, XP, etc.)
They may be a friend or relative or someone who works for or with you who has access to your information.
SOLUTION: Do not allow anyone you don't fully trust access to your computer or personal information.
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