Identity
Theft & Fraud
Experts call identity theft in North
America an "epidemic." We suggest you do everything you can to avoid becoming a
victim, because prevention is usually much less painful than removing an
identity thief from a credit history.
You should know that according to the
Fair Credit Reporting Act,
you can sue if an error by one of the credit-reporting agencies
results in identity theft or fraud against you. You have the earlier of 1) two
years after discovery by the plaintiff, or 2) five years after the date of
the violation. The bottom line is
that you must keep up-to-date on your credit history.
Guidance on Protecting Yourself:
 | Keep a list
in your home of everything
in your wallet or purse. That way, if
it is ever lost, you can contact everyone
immediately. |
| If
you lose your purse or wallet for just a few minutes: If you briefly lose
your purse or wallet in a public location,
consider that it takes only minutes to steal your identity. Thieves stand a
better chance of running off with your identity and your credit line if
you don't suspect anything. Therefore, if your wallet or purse goes missing
temporarily, consider replacing everything immediately, including credit cards
and checking accounts, just as if it had been stolen forever. |
| If
you donate your computer: Do not leave personal information on your
old computer. Many people don't realize that when they delete a file, it's not
necessarily gone forever and can be recovered with the proper knowledge. Before
giving or throwing away an old computer, have it professionally sanitized with
special software. Call a local computer tech for help or advice on how to do it. |
|
Check over your credit card statements and bank statements for unauthorized
activity. Don't leave it for six months before you go over them
because a lot can happen in six months. If you don't receive a statement, call
your bank or credit card company. A missing bill can mean it's been stolen or
redirected by someone who is impersonating you. |
| Do
not give out personal information to someone who contacts you: Be
very sure of another person or organization before giving out your credit card
numbers, your social security number, your banking information, your mother's
maiden name, your date of birth, any past addresses, your driver's license
number, or any other personal information. Never give out PIN numbers, access
numbers or passwords over the telephone, especially to someone who contacts
you. If someone claims to be from your bank or other legitimate organization,
and asks you to verify personal information, do not do it. Hang up and contact the institution yourself. If someone calls and says you
have won a prize or a lottery, do not give out personal information or send
money to this person. Legitimate organizations will not ask you for personal
information, nor will you have to give them money in order to win a prize.
|
|
Avoid writing your social security number or driver's license number on your checks. Do not
carry your social security card, PIN numbers, access codes or passwords in
your wallet. Do not give out your social security number to anyone who does
not HAVE to have it. This means that the local Brownie troop doesn't need it.
The grocery store doesn't need it. Stand your ground and offer other ID. Do
not carry anything with your social security number on it, and ask to have
your SSN removed from your driver's license. |
|
Clean out your wallet. Don't carry credit cards or identification you don't
need or use. If you don't need a particular credit card or other sensitive
item, do not carry it in your wallet or purse, and do not EVER leave it in
your vehicle. Cancel any cards you don't use so that things cannot happen
while you aren't paying attention. |
|
Invest in a shredder. Before you throw them away, shred bank and credit card statements, credit
card receipts, canceled checks, pre-approved credit card offers, insurance
forms, physician statements, and other personal papers and documents. |
|
Place your garbage out the morning of pick-up, not the night before.
This gives people less time to go through your garbage. |
| Use a
locking mailbox for both incoming and outgoing mail, and don't leave behind ATM
or credit card receipts.
If possible, consider paying bills electronically -- and/or send and receive
all mail to a post office box. If you're going on vacation, place a hold on
your mail at the post office. |
|
Order a copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit
reporting agencies every year. (Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union).
Ensure they are accurate and include only your activities. It is now the law
that, when asked, they must each provide you with one free credit report every
year. You have nothing to lose by checking your reports and everything to
gain. |
| If you like, you can also subscribe to a
credit-watch program that sends regular updates on any credit activity on your
accounts. |
| Consider
opting out of direct mailing lists and unwanted solicitations.
To opt out of unsolicited preapproved
credit offers, call the Credit Reporting Industry at 1-888-567-8688. To place
yourself on the National Do-Not-Call list, call 1-888-382-1222 or visit
http://www.donotcall.gov. |
|
Report it to the police. If you suspect that your identity has been
stolen, report it immediately to the police, to the fraud departments of the
major credit bureaus, and to the Federal Trade Commission. |
