How to Avoid Identity Theft

 

Identity theft

Identity theft occurs when a criminal uses your personal information, such as your Social Security number, driver’s license, credit cards, or ATM card for fraudulent activity. Identity thieves may obtain your personal information by stealing your mail, wallet or purse, or even posing as a bank representative on the telephone.

Here are 10 tips to protect against identity theft:

1. When choosing Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) and passwords, avoid using information that is easily available, like your birth date or the last four digits of your social security number. Create a password or passphrase that includes letter, numbers, and special characters.
2. Do not carry cards containing personal information, especially your Social Security card, except on days when you need them.
4. Keep photocopies of all your credit cards, ATM cards, bank account and investment information in a secure place in case you notice fraudulent activity or if any information gets lost or stolen.
5. If you are ordering checks, try to arrange to pick them up at the bank instead of having them mailed to your home.
6. Check your credit reports at least once a year so you can catch any unusual activity in your accounts. The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months.
7. Be wary of potential phishing emails sent by bad actors pretending to be your bank, credit card company, or another trusted source. Double-check the email address of the sender and beware emails that demand urgent action. When in doubt, look up the number of the sender (don't use the phone number in the email) to verify the information in the email.
8. Be careful with your trash. When disposing of any mail or paperwork containing personal information, be sure to shred all documents before throwing them out. Some identity thieves practice “dumpster diving” by rummaging through trash to find personal information.
9. Call the U.S. Postal Service at 1-800-275-8777 and your newspaper companies to hold your mail and deliveries if you go on vacation. Or have a trusted neighbor pick up your mail and newspapers for you until you return.
10. Avoid giving out personal information over the telephone. Be cautious when speaking with telephone solicitors. Identity thieves can cleverly disguise themselves as bank representatives or government agency representatives and ask for your personal information.
11. Take immediate action if you think you may be a victim of identity theft. Do not wait to report any suspicious activity. Place a fraud alert on your credit reports by calling the Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion fraud hotlines.

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