Identity
theft prevention tips/steps you should take if you became
a victim:
- Before
revealing your personal information verify whether or not
it will be shared with other parties; if so ask to keep
yours confidential.
- Know
your billing cycles, if your bill or statement appears to
be tardy notify your credit or banking institution immediately
and verify that it has indeed been sent.
- Deposit
outgoing mail at the post office; this is especially important
if you are sending your checks out via mail service, putting
the little red flag up on the mail box is inviting a mail
theft-
- Use
passwords on all accounts when possible; try to avoid information
such as your date of birth or your social security number.
- Only
carry the amount of credit cards and other identifying documents
that you need.
- You
should not give out your personal information over the Internet,
phone or mail unless you have verified exactly who you are
exchanging information with.
- While
on the internet and on auction or other catalog sites, avoid
e-mail and transactions from other users that wish to do
business with you away from the web-site, an example would
be if you were on an auction site and lost a bid and later
you receive an e-mail from a user claiming to have the product
you were bidding on but for much cheaper price, this is
usually a scam. When on-line deal with reputable sites,
if unsure contact the Better Business Bureau.
- Shred
all documents with any account information, social security
numbers, routing numbers or other personal information before
discarding in the trash. These documents include; old checks
and checkbooks, income tax information, pay stubs, credit
card receipts, expired credit cards, rental and lease agreements,
service receipts and unwanted credit card pre-approval notices
and checks.
- When
storing credit cards and extra checks at your residence,
store them in a safe and secure location, its best to have
a small well-hidden lock box or safe.
- Do
not carry your social security card; secure it in a safe
place.
- Maintain
a regular credit check, usually every 6 months to 1-year.
- If
you suspect that you are an identity theft victim you will
need to take the following
steps:
1. Contact all three credit bureau's fraud departments:
Equifax- 1-800-525-6285
Experian 1-800-397 -3742
Trans Union 1-800-680- 7289
2. Contact your financial institution if theft involves
your ATM, Debit, or checking accounts and/or your credit
card company if it involves your credit cards.
3. File a police report with your local police or sheriffs
department. Also report the incident to the Federal Trade
Commission, 1-877-IDTHEFT
If
you've been a victim of identity theft, use this chart to
track your course of action. |
