-
Step 1
Protect your credit and debit card(s) number(s, PIN (personal ID) number(s), passwords, personal information, and (especially!)your Social Security number.
Never provide financial or any other personal information in response to an unsolicited letter, email, fax, or unsolicited phone call. It could be from someone pretending to be a legitimate business person, or a government official. In terms of your Social Security (SSN)number, outside of your employer and financial institutions(e.g. banks; credit unions), you have every right to refuse giving out your SSN to merchants and service providers. In addition, if your state usually adds SSN's to driver's license, you can request that your SSN not be used. -
Step 2
Protect your incoming and outgoing mail.
Checks, credit card statements, and other personal data can be a goldmine to a thief. Use a locked mailbox for incoming and outgoing mail, or use another secured location (e.g. a postbox at your local Post Office). Remember to remove your mail as soon as possible each day in an unsecured mailbox. When leaving for a trip, have a friend or neighbor retrieve your mail, or have the mail held at your local Post Office. For outgoing mail, try to hand it to your mailperson, put in a mailbox, or take it to the Post Office. -
Step 3
Stop thieves from finding information in your trash.
Thieves (also known as "I.D.Dumpster Divers") pick through trash cans, garbage cans, and recycle bins, looking for any valuable information to use to steal your identity - not to mention your money! -
Step 4
"De-fatten" your wallet or purse!
In case your wallet or purse is lost or stolen, limit the amount of confidential information that you carry in them. Only carry around checks, credit and/or debit cards, or other bank items that you need. Keep other I.D. items such as your Social Security card and birth certificates in a secured place (e.g. a home safe; a safe deposit box). Never keep PIN numbers on or near your ATM/debit/credit card(s), or your checkbook! -
Step 5
At least once per year, monitor your credit report for warning signs of fraud.
Most experts agree that checking your credit report at least once per year is a great safeguard against fraud and incorrect information. The three major credit bureaus (Equifax: 1-800-685-1111, www.equifax.com; Experian: 1-888-397-3742, www.experian.com; Transunion: 1-800-888-4213, www.transunion.com)are the best recommended places to obtain your report. Annualcreditreport.com will allow you to view your credit report free once per year (note: your FICO score is an extra charge). -
Step 6
Review your credit card bills and bank statements as soon as they arrive.
If you notice something suspicious, contact your financial institution immediately. If you get a paper copy of your credit card in the mail, be aware of the approximate time each month that you receive it. If you haven't received it in over a month, it could be a warning sign that an identity thief has changed your mailing address for purposes of committing fraud from another location. -
Step 7
Be extra careful providing personal information over the telephone or the Internet.
Especially during hard economic times, scam artists tend to sprout up like proverbial weeds! Scam artists lurk on the other end of your phone or computer. Don't give out bank information, Social Security numbers, or other personal data in response to an unsolicited call or e-mail. beware of "deals" requiring money up front. There are schemes designed to trick you into sending money or providing bank information in exchange for goods or services that will never be delivered. Deal only with legitimate, reputable businesses, and get key details in writing and thoroughly check them out before agreeing to anything. And finally, beware of "deals" requiring you to pay money up-front.
