Identity theft occurs when someone wrongfully uses your personal identification to obtain credit, loans and other services in your name. They may even commit crimes in your name. Identity theft is an overwhelming experience if it happens to you. Here are steps you can take to prevent it:
- Buy a shredder and shred all your important papers and especially pre-approved credit applications received in your name and other financial information that provides access to your information.
- Get all of your checks delivered to your bank – not to your home address.
- Do not put checks in the mail from your home mailbox. Drop off this type of mail at the post office or a post office mailbox.
- Cancel all credit cards that you do not use or have not used in several months.
- Put passwords on all your accounts and do not use your mother’s maiden name.
- Get a post office box or a locked mailbox.
- Empty your wallet of all extra credit cards and social security numbers. Do not carry any identifiers you do not need. Don’t carry your birth certificate, social security card or passport unless necessary.
- Do not put your social security number on your checks. If a business requests your social security number, give them an alternate number and tell them why. They do not need that to identify you. If a government agency requests your social security number, there must be a privacy notice accompanying the request.
- Do not put your telephone number on your checks.
- Monitor your credit card statements each month. Check to see if there is anything that you do not recognize and call the credit card company to verify that it is truly yours.
- Order your credit report at least twice a year. If you see anything that appears fraudulent, immediately put a fraud alert on your reports.
- Make a list of all your credit card account numbers and bank account numbers (or photocopy) with customer service phone numbers, and keep it in a safe place. Do not keep it on the hard drive of your computer if you are connected to the Internet.
- Be safe online. Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software, as well as a firewall, and update them all regularly. * * Avoid using obvious passwords like your birth date, your mother’s maiden name or the last four digits of your Social Security number.
- Never respond to an e-mail that asks you to transmit personal information over the Internet. Legitimate companies will not make such requests. Remember that your bank or credit card issuers already have your account numbers, PINs, access codes, passwords, Social Security number and other information they need. They won’t e-mail you to ask for it.
- Consider having an unlisted telephone number or just using your first initial.