Identity Theft

How to Protect Yourself

Personal Information

• Ask your bank, doctor’s office, other businesses and your employer how they use and protect your personal information.
• Never carry your social security card, social security number, birth certificate or passport, unless necessary.
• Do not put your address, telephone number or driver’s license number on a credit card sales receipt.
• Social security numbers or phone numbers should not be put on checks.
• Identifying information should not be given over the phone or the Internet to someone you do not know or on a cellular or cordless phone.
• Shred all personal documents before placing them in the trash.
• If your state uses your social security number as your driver’s license number, ask for another number.

Financial Information

• Get a copy of your credit report every year.
• Keep your financial records out of sight. Burglars are just as interested in credit cards, bank accounts, and investment statements as they are in your TV, jewelry and other valuables.
• Check your monthly credit card statements for charges you did not make. If monthly statements do not arrive in the mail, call the lender immediately.
• Keep a list, in a safe place, of all credit cards and bank accounts including the account numbers, phone numbers and expiration dates.
• Only use your credit card on the Internet if it will be encrypted.
• Shred financial or confidential information such as credit card pre-approvals, credit card receipts, etc.
• If you have credit cards you do not use, store them in a safe place. Cancel the accounts if you will not use them again. Cut up old credit cards before discarding.
• Carry only the credit cards you plan to use.
• When you have applied for a new credit card, keep your eye on the mail and the calendar. If the card does not arrive within the appropriate time, call the credit card company.
• Do not use your mother’s maiden name as a password for accounts.
• Unless your mailbox is secure, mail payments at the post office and pick up new checks at your bank.
• If you are not interested in pre-approved credit offers, opt-out by calling 1-888-5-opt-out (888-567-8688).

What to Do If You Have Become a Victim

Despite your best efforts to protect yourself, you have become a victim. Now what? The following steps should be taken immediately and at the same time to best insure your protection.

Record Keeping

In the process of resolving the theft of your identity, be sure to keep records of all correspondence with the creditors and government agencies you contact. Include the date and name of contact. Follow up all telephone contacts with a letter and keep a copy.

Creditors

Notify all creditors and financial institutions, in writing and by phone, that your name and accounts have been used without your permission. If an existing account has been stolen, ask the creditor or bank to issue you new cards, checks and account numbers. Carefully monitor the account activity on your statements. Report fraudulent activity to the issuing company IMMEDIATELY. The Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) is a federal law that limits a consumer’s responsibility for fraudulent charges to $50.

Local Law Enforcement

Immediately report the crime to local police (761-5300). Provide them with as much documentation as possible. Make sure that the accounts are listed on the police report. Also, get a copy of the police report. Credit card companies, banks and credit reporting agencies may require you to show a police report to support your claim that a crime was committed.

Federal Law Enforcement

Report the crime to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC collects complaints about identity theft from consumers and stores them in a secure online database called the Consumer Sentinel that is available to law enforcement agencies worldwide. The FTC provides information on ways to resolve problems resulting from identity theft and refers individuals to various private and government agencies for further action.

Credit Reporting Agencies

Contact the fraud units of the 3 credit reporting agencies:

• Equifax - 800-685-1111
• Experian - 888-397-3742
• Trans Union - 800-916-8800

Ask them to place a fraud alert on your credit report to help prevent new fraudulent accounts from being opened. Keep track of when it expires so you can ask for another 1, if necessary. However, not all creditors check your credit report before issuing a new account. As an ID fraud victim, you are entitled to a free copy of your credit report.

Also, ask the agencies for a copy of your credit report every 3 months once you have become a victim. This can help determine how many and which accounts listed are fraudulent. You can also identify the existing accounts that have been stolen.

Utility Companies

Ask utility companies (local and long distance telephone service providers, gas, electric and water companies) to watch out for anyone ordering services in your name. If someone has ordered services in your name, cancel those accounts. If you have trouble with falsified accounts, contact your state Public Utility Commission.