Guard Against Identity Theft

How to Guard Against Identity Theft

1. Remove mail promptly from your mailbox. Never use your mailbox for outgoing mail.
   
2. Identity thieves raid mailboxes for credit card offers and statements.
   
3. Guard your social security number. Do not give out your PIN or credit card numbers over the phone unless you initiated the transaction.
   
4. Be careful with receipts. Make sure you have them when you leave the store or ATM and do not throw them into public trash cans.
   
5. Review your credit report from time to time.
   
6. Destroy pre-approved credit cards offers before you throw them out.
   
7. Account for all new checkbooks when you receive them in the mail.
   
8. Block your ATM transaction with your body to prevent someone from learning your PIN.
   
9. Commit all passwords and PIN numbers to memory so no one can find them written down.

Help Keep Online Transactions Secure

1. Avoid sending sensitive information, such as account numbers, through unsecured e-mail.
   
2. Passwords or PIN numbers should be used when access an account online.
   
3. General security over your personal computer such as a virus protection and physical access controls should be used and updated regularly.

What To Do If You Are A Victim

1. Contact your credit card company and your financial institution and close your accounts. The FBI suggests that you put passwords (not your mother’s maiden name) on any new accounts you open.
   
2. Call the three major credit bureaus (see below) to tell them your identity has been stolen. Request that a “fraud alert” be placed on your file and that no new credit be granted without your approval.
   
   
   a. EQUIFAX: 800-525-6285
   b. EXPERIAN: 888-397-3742
   c. TRANS UNION: 800-680-7289
3. Call the Social Security Fraud Hotline: 800-269-0271
   
4. File a report with the police, and get a copy of the report in case you need proof of the crime later for credit card companies, etc.