IDENTITY THEFT ADVICE

Common methods of identity theft:
Dumpster diving. Collecting bills and personal information sources 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 personal information before discarding them.
• Don’t carry your Social Security card in your wallet or write your SSN on a check. Give it out only if absolutely necessary or ask to use another identifier.
• Don’t give out personal information over the phone, mail or 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 computer. Visit www.OnGuardOnline.gov for information.
• Don’t use an obvious password like your birthdate, mother’s maiden name, or last four digits of your SSN.
• Keep information in a secure place, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help or are having work done in your house.
• Detect suspicious activity by monitoring financial accounts and billing statements.

Signs requiring 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 financial information.
The law requires 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.Annual CreditReport.com or call 877-322-8228 to order your free credit reports each year.

For more information, visit www.ftc.gov/ idtheft.

Topics Fraud