ID Theft

Some of us know someone or have ourselves been a victim of identity theft. The Federal Trade Commission estimates there are 9 million Americans who have their identity stolen each year. Some of those victims doen't even know what's happened until they've received a credit card statement they didn’t sign up for, or a creditor calls to find out why a bill hasn't been paid.

Here are a few things you can do to help reduce the chances of becoming a victim of identity theft:

SHRED anything that has your name and address on it.
SHRED all unsolicited credit card applications and anything else that has your personal information on it.
DO NOT give out your personal information to anyone you don’t know. The bank will not call you for the purpose of verifying your personal information for any reason. If you are unsure about the call, ask the person’s name, phone number and what department he/she is with. Then call the bank personally to verify that the caller is who they say they are. (Always use the number for the bank that is on the back of your debit card or look it up in the phone book.)
MONITOR your credit. To get a free copy of your credit report once a year, visit: www.annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228.
NEVER click on unsolicited emails from banks or people asking for your personal information.
DO NOT use passwords that can be easily guessed, such as you or your family members’ birth date, your mother’s maiden name, or the last 4 digits of your social security number.

KEEP YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION SECURE at home even if you live alone. It is even more important if you have a roommate, employ outside help, or are having work done at your home.

STAY ON TOP of your accounts. Take note when bills and statements are late, if you are being denied credit for no reason, or if you are receiving calls/letters about purchases you didn’t make.

DO NOT carry your social security card with you.

MAKE A COPY of all credit/debit cards you own, as well as the front and back of your driver’s license. Also, make a list of everything you keep in your wallet. Lock this information in a safe or keep it in some other secure location. This way you have the phone numbers and account numbers of your cards, and you won’t forget about something that was in your wallet.

If you happen to be a victim or think you might be a victim because your wallet was lost or stolen, here are some things you can do to defend yourself:

File a police report. Get the report number AND a copy of the report itself.

Place a “fraud alert”* on your credit report with all 3 reporting agencies. A "fraud alert" will remain on your account for 90 days. Make sure YOU call EACH of the agencies yourself, even if one of the representative you speak with says they will take care of it for you.

        - Equifax: 1-800-535-6286
        - Experian: 1-888-experian (397-3742)
        - Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289

Make a report* with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Filing a report with the FTC will help law enforcement nationwide and abroad.

        - Website: www.ftc.gov/idtheft
        - Phone: 1-877-ID-Theft (438-4338)

Make a folder to keep everything in. Keep a pad of paper in this folder, take names, phone numbers, dates, times, position within the company of the person you are talking to and what was said for every phone call you make and receive.

The information you send out to companies always make copies and send things return receipt required or certified mail. This is your proof that the company got your information.

Remember, this is not an overnight process. Be patient and stay on top of everything.

For more information about ID theft, how to deter ID theft, or what to do if you become a victim of ID theft, visit: www.ftc.gov/idtheft. You may also request information by writing to:

Consumer Response Center
Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, H-130
Washington, DC 20580

Some of the facts used on this page came from the FTC.