How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
- Destroy private records & statements: SHRED credit card statements, solicitations and any other documents that contain private financial information.
- Secure your mail. Empty your mailbox quickly, lock it or get a P.O. Box so criminals don’t have a chance to access your mail. Take your outgoing mail to the post office or a U.S mailbox, rather than leave mail in your mailbox for pick-up.
- Safeguard your Social Security Number. NEVER carry with you your social security card, or, any card that may have your number on it, like health insurance cards.
- Don’t leave a paper trail. Never leave ATM, credit card or gas receipts behind. Also, don’t leave them in your car!
- Passwords & Security: Do not use obvious names & numbers, such as your first, middle or last name, birth date or social security number, when creating a password. Memorize your passwords! Also, ask your financial institution about adding security to your accounts. Change your passwords annually.
- Know who you’re dealing with. Your employer and financial institutions need your SSN for wage and tax reporting purposes. Other businesses may ask you for your SSN to do a credit check if you are applying for a loan, renting an apartment, or signing up for utilities. Sometimes, however, they simply want your SSN for general recordkeeping without a truly legitimate need. Ask why your private identity and financial information is needed. The decision is yours to share.
- Take your name off marketers’ hit lists. You can cut down on junk mail and opt out of credit card solicitations. Contact Do-Not-Call registry (1-888-382-1222) , or www.donotcall.gov, to have your name removed from unwanted lists.
- Monitor your credit report. At least once a year, obtain copies of your credit report from each of the three main credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian & TransUnion. You may access these reports by contacting, www.annualcreditreport.com . Review these reports for accuracy.
- Review your credit card statements carefully. Make sure you recognize the merchants, locations and purchases listed before paying the bill. If you see an unfamiliar charge, contact the credit card company within 60 days of the statement date and file a written dispute.
- Keep good, organized financial records. Maintain files which include statements, agreements, correspondence and payment history. If you’ve filed a dispute, keep documentation of dates, people you spoke with and correspondence sent and received.
