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Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft

Identity theft refers to a broad category of what can be termed "privacy crimes."  It can include the theft of a Social Security number, identification card, driver's license, credit card, debit card, or even a calling card.

How does it happen?  Some thieves go "dumpster diving," or searching through trash to find any personal information like credit card statements or offers for new accounts.  Other criminals gather information by looking over your shoulder to get any personal numbers.  The advent of e-commerce brings yet another way for criminals to steal credit card data and personal information, and then use it without being "seen."

So what can you do to protect yourself?  Follow these tips:

• Think carefully before revealing any personal information such as age, marital status, or financial information.  Consider using a pseudonym or unlisting your name if your service allows it.
  
  

• Destroy private records and statements.  Tear or shred credit card statements, solicitations, and other documents that contain financial information.
  
  

• Empty your mailbox quickly so criminals don't have a chance to steal anything.  
  
  

• Don't carry your Social Security card with you, or any other card that may have your Social Security number on it, i.e. health insurance cards.  
  
  

• Don't pre-print your checks with your driver's license number or Social Security number.
  
  

• Don't leave the ATM or gas station without your receipt.
  
  

• Pay with cash as often as possible.
  
  

• When making an online purchase, look in the lower right hand corner of your browser window.  If you are at a secure site, you should see the icon of a lock.  If you don't see one, avoid passing on any personal information or making purchases.
  
  

• Pay attention to the privacy policies of web sites you give information to.  Stay away from one's who don't specifically say that they won't pass on your information.
  
  

• Stick to well-known online retailers or those that people you know have recommended.
  
  

• Use only one credit card for online purchases.  It will be easier to notice if there are unauthorized charges on your bill.
  
  

• Be more secretive about your personal information.  Ask if a Social Security number or driver's license number is truly necessary.  Many times you can be issued some other kind of identifying number.
  
  

• Check your credit report at least once a year to look for suspicious activity.  If something doesn't seem right, contact you credit card company right away.
  
  

• Investigate credit bureau protection services.  Many offer programs that alert you any time your credit report changes.
  

Equifax
Credit Reports:
1-800-685-1111
Reporting Fraud:
1-800-525-6285

Experian
Credit Reports:
1-888-397-3742
Reporting Fraud:
1-888-397-3742

TransUnion
Credit Reports:
1-800-916-8800
Reporting Fraud:
1-800-680-7289

What should you do if you become a victim of identity theft?

• Contact the fraud departments of each of the three major credit bureaus (listed at left).  Tell them you are an identity theft victim.  Request that a "fraud alert" be placed in your file and that creditors call you before opening any new accounts or changing existing accounts. 
  
  

• Contact the creditors for any accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.  Speak with someone in the security or fraud department and follow up with a letter.
  
  

• File a report with your local police department or with the police in the city where the identity theft took place.  Get a copy of the police report.
  
  

• Keep records of everything involved in your efforts to clear up the fraud, including copies of written correspondence and records of telephone calls.
  
  
  
  
  

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