Minimize Your Risk of Identity Theft

Simple transactions such as writing a check, charging something on-line, using your cell phone, or applying for a credit card can provide someone all the information needed to steal your identity.  Personal information such as bank and credit card account numbers, social security numbers, addresses, and phone numbers are what an identity thief needs to take control of your accounts.  While you cannot prevent identity theft, you can minimize your risk by managing your personal information wisely.

• Guard your mail from theft.  Take outgoing mail to the post office or drop it in a collection box.  Remove mail promptly from your box after it is delivered.
• If your bills do not arrive on time, follow up with the creditors.  A missing credit card bill could mean an identity thief has taken over your credit card account and changed your billing address to cover their tracks.
  
• Put passwords on your credit card, bank and phone accounts.  Do not use easily obtained information like your mother’s maiden name, your birth date, etc.
  
• Discard papers with personal information such as insurance forms, returned checks, physician statements credit card offers, etc. by tearing them up or shredding them.
  
• Keep items with personal information in a secure place in your home, especially if you have household help, roommates, or have service people coming to your home.
  
• Do not give Your personal information on the phone, over the Internet, or through the mail unless you have initiated the contact or know who you are dealing with.
  
• Provide your Social Security number only when necessary.  Your employer and financial institution will need your number for wage and tax reporting purposes.  Businesses may ask for it to do a credit check if you apply for a loan.  However, if a business wants your SSN just for general record keeping, you may want to question why they need it.  Also, do not carry the card with you.

You may still be victimized even if you have been very careful.  You should regularly check your credit record.  Order your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus and confirm that all the information is correct.