Identity theft is on the rise. Recent surveys show there are currently about 9 million American victims each year. According to the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse (PRC), a leading consumer protection organization, criminals use a variety of methods to steal Social Security numbers, driver's licenses, credit card members, ATM cards, telephone calling cards, dates of birth and other valuable information.
NO PLACE TO HIDE
According to the PRC, you can't completely prevent identity theft, but you can reduce your risk of identity fraud by following some simple steps
- When using credit or debit cards at merchants, pay close attetion to how the card is swiped. Dishonest employees use small handheld devices called skimmers to swipe the card and download account number data onto a computer.
- Record or photocopy all of your credit card, debit card, bank account and investment information. Keep them in a secure place - not your wallet or purse - so you can quickly contact the provider if your accounts have been compromised.
- Never provide your SSN, credit card number or other personal information over the phone, by mail, or on the Internet unless you know the company well and initiated the communication.
- Always take credit card receipts with you. Never toss unwanted receipts into a public trash container. Always put receipts in your wallet or purse rather than a shopping bag.
- Never permit a merchant to write your credit card number on your checks.
- Order your credit report at least once a year. Federal law entitles you to receive one free credit report each year from the three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. The earlier you detect fraud, the easier it wil be to clean up your credit files and regain your financial health.
- Consider buying identity theft insurance. If you are interested in purchasing this coverage, obtain a free or low-cost rider on an existing insurance policy.
- When creating passwords and PIN's, never use the last four digits of your Social Security Number, mother's maiden name, birthdate, middle name, pet's name, consecutive numbers, or anything else that could easily be discovered by thieves.
Best: Create passwords combining letters and numbers
- Memorize your passwords. Don't record them on anything in your wallet.
- Sheild your hand when using a bank ATM machine. "Shoulder surfers" may be nearby with binoculars or video camera.
- If a business requests your SSN, ask if an alternative number can be used instead.
- If possible, do not provide your SSN on job applications. Offer it when you are interviewed or when a background check is conducted.
- Do not carry your Social Security card in your wallet.
- Password-protect files that contain sensitive personal data. Create passwords that combine 6-8 numbers and letters, upper- and lowercase. in addition, encrypt sensitive files.
- When shopping online, do business with only companies that provide transaction security protection, and that have strong privacy and security policies.
- Before disposing of an old computer, remove data by using a strong "wiping" software program. Do not rely on the "delete" function.
- Install a locked mailbox at your residence to deter mail theft.
- When you pay bills, do not leave the envelopes in your mailbox for the mailcarrier to pick up, or at the receptionist's desk in your workplace.
- Convert as much bill-paying to automatic deductions from your checking account. Consider using the internet for banking and bill paying purposes. With fewer account statements and bills mailed to your home, you will reduce the risk of identity theft.
- Do not toss preapproved credit offers in your trash or recycling bin without first tearing them into very small pieces or shredding them with a cross-cut shredder.
Check out the sites below to find more useful information to protect yourself from identity theft.
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