Identity Theft, Protect Yourself!!

Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America!

The best way to keep criminals from misusing your identity is to prevent them from stealing it in the first place. Following a few steps, you can reduce the chances of falling victim to identity theft.

Secure your mail

• Shred mail with account numbers, name or addresses
• Use a postal box for incoming and outgoing mail
• Do not leave outgoing mail in your mailbox
• Make sure your trash is in an area that is not easily accessed

Secure your personal Identifying information

• Be careful with your social security number
• Do not carry your social security card in your wallet
• Shred documents with your social security number on them

Secure the tools you use for making payments

• Credit cards, checks, debit cards and your PIN should be kept in a safe location and not easily accessible.

Secure your computer

• Use an anti-virus program and keep it updated
• Use an anti-spyware program
• Never respond to emails asking for sensitive information
• Do not save your passwords on your computer

What should you do if you become a victim of identity theft?

• Contact the credit reporting agencies and have a fraud alert be placed on your credit reports
• Report identity theft to your local police department
• Report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission
• Notify credit card issuers, your banks and utility providers
• Call the Social Security Administration
• Keep detailed records

There are a number of governmental, non-profit and business organizations that provide identity theft guidance:

Fair Isaac’s consumer website

• www.myfico.com

Federal Trade Commission

• www.consumer.gov/idtheft

US Department of Justice

• http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/fraud/websites/idtheft.html

Social Security Administration

• www.ssa.gov

Privacy Rights Clearinghouse

• www.privacyrights.org