IDENTITY THEFT ADVICE FROM THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION

March 12, 2007

Common methods of identity theft:
Dumpster diving. Collecting bills and other sources of personal information from trash bins.

Skimming. Stealing credit/debit card numbers by using a special storage device when processing your card.

Phishing. Pretending to be financial institutions or companies and sending spam or pop-up messages to solicit personal information.

Changing your address. Diverting billing statements to another location by completing a “change of address” form.

“Old-fashioned” stealing. Theft of wallets and purses; mail, including bank and credit card statements; pre-approved credit offers; and new checks or tax information. Stealing personnel records from employers, or bribing employees who have access.

Deter identity thieves:

  • Shred financial documents and paperwork with personal information before you discard them.
  • Protect your Social Security number. Don’t carry your Social Security card in your wallet or write your Social Security number on a check. Give it out only if absolutely necessary or ask to use another identifier.
  • Don’t give out personal information on the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet unless you know who you are dealing with.
  • Never click on links sent in unsolicited e-mails; instead, type in a Web address you know. Use firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-virus software to protect your home computer; keep them up-to-date. Visit OnGuardOnline.gov for more information.
  • Don’t use an obvious password like your birth date, your mother’s maiden name, or the last four digits of your Social Security number.
  • Keep your personal information in a secure place at home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or are having work done in your house.
  • Detect suspicious activity by routinely monitoring your financial accounts and billing statements.

Signs that your finances require immediate attention:

  • Bills that do not arrive as expected.
  • Unexpected credit cards or account statements.
  • Denials of credit for no apparent reason.
  • Calls or letters about purchases you did not make.

Inspect your credit report and financial information.
The law requires the major nationwide consumer reporting companies — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — to give you a free copy of your credit report each year if you ask for it. Visit www.AnnualCreditReport.com or call 1-877-322-8228 to order your free credit reports each year. You also can write: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.

The three consumer credit reporting companies have toll-free numbers for placing an initial 90-day fraud alert; a call to one company is sufficient:

  • Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
  • Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
  • TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289

Placing a fraud alert entitles you to free copies of your credit reports. Look for inquiries from companies you haven’t contacted, accounts you didn’t open, and debts on your accounts that you can’t explain.

To learn more about ID theft and how to deter, detect, and defend against it, visit ftc.gov/idtheft.

Source: Federal Trade Commission

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