U.S. Postmaster General John Potter recently sent postal customers a brochure put out by the Federal Trade Commission on Identity theft, which occurs when your personal information is stolen and used without your knowledge to commit fraud or other crimes. It can cost you time and money and destroy your credit.
Some of the common ways identity theft happens are 1. Dumpster diving, whereby thieves rummage through trash looking for personal information; 2. Skimming, which involves stealing credit card/debit card numbers by using a special storage device when processing your credit card; 3. Phishing, in which thieves pretend to be financial
Institutions or companies and send spam or pop-up messages to get you to reveal your personal information; 4. Changing your address, which involves diverting your billing statements to another location by completing a “change of address” form; and 5. “Old-Fashioned” Stealing, in which thieves take wallets, purses, mail (including bank and credit card statements, pre-approved credit offers, new checks, and tax information), and personnel records from employers.
To safeguard your personal information:
· Shred financial documents and paperwork with personal information before you discard them.
· Protect your Social Security number. Don’t carry your SS card in your wallet or write your SS number 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, through the mail or over the internet unless you know whom your dealing with.
· Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails. Use firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-virus software to protect your home computer and keep them up-to-date. Visit www.onguardonline.gov for more information.
· Don’t use an obvious password for your passwords like your birth date, your mothers 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 have work done in your home.
· Be alert to signs that require immediate attention: bills that don’t arrive when expected; unexpected credit card or account statements; denials of credit for no apparent reason; calls or letters about purchases you did not make.
· Review your financial accounts and billing statements, looking for charges you did not make.
· Inspect your credit report regularly. Credit reports contain information about you, including what accounts you have and your bill paying history. 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. You can also write to Annual Credit Report Request Services, PO Box 105281, Atlanta, Georgia 30348-5281.
If you suspect that you are a victim of identity theft, here are some steps you can take:
· Place a “Fraud Alert” on your credit reports and review the reports carefully. The alerts tell creditors to follow certain procedures before they open new accounts in your name or make changes to your existing accounts. The three nationwide consumer reporting companies have toll-free phone numbers for placing an initial 90-day fraud alert – a call to one company is sufficient: Equifax (800-680-7289), Experian (888-397-3742), TransUnion (800-680-7289). Placing a fraud alert entitles you to free copies of your credit reports. Look for inquires from companies you haven’t contacted, accounts you didn’t open and debts on your accounts that you cant explain.
· Close any accounts that have been tampered with or established fraudulently. Call security or fraud departments of each company where an account was opened or changes without your okay. Follow up in writing, with copies of supporting documents. Use an I.D. Theft Affidavit at www.ftc.gov/idtheft to support your written statement. Ask for verification that the disputed account has been closed and fraudulent debts discharged. Keep copies of documents and records of your conversations about the theft.
· File a police report to help you with creditors who may want proof of the crime.
· Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission. Your report helps law enforcement officials across the country in their investigations. You can file a report online at www.ftc.gov/idtheft or call 1-877-438-4338 or TTY, 1-866-653-4261. You can also send a report to: Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 2058.
· For more information on identity theft, visit www.ftc.gov/idtheft or write to Consumer Response Center, Federal Trade Commission. 600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, H-130, Washington, DC 20580.