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Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the nation. If your personal information — social security number, driver's license number or credit card numbers — falls into the wrong hands, criminals can use it to establish credit, borrow money, charge merchandise or commit crime in your name. Identity theft can happen through elaborate web scams known as phishing. Sometimes, it can result from carelessly tossing out paperwork that should have been shredded. You may not even be aware the damage is being done until it's too late — accounts are often opened in the victim's name and mail is then delivered to a different address.
Protect your identity. Here are some tips to avoid becoming a victim:
- Guard your social security number and financial data. Never respond to unsolicited requests for such information, especially online, where phishing scams are prevalent.
- Remove mail promptly from your mailbox. Never use your mailbox for outgoing mail. Identity thieves raid mailboxes for credit card offers and financial statements.
- Be careful with receipts, shred anything with your confidential information. For a sample list, see "What to Shred"
- Obtain a copy of your credit report yearly. Check it carefully for accuracy. You can request a free credit report once a year, from each of the credit reporting agencies. Go online at www.annualcreditreport.com or call toll free at 877 322-8228
- Be creative when you select a password. Avoid obvious pin codes such as your phone number, address, and birth date.
If you become a victim of identity theft, take action immediately:
- Contact your bank and your other financial institutions and close your accounts. Indicate that accounts are being closed due to fraud, at the consumer's request.
- Contact the credit bureaus and tell them your identity has been stolen. Have a fraud alert statement posted on your credit report.
- Report check theft to check verification companies such as Chexsystems at 800 428-9623.
- Check the post office for unauthorized change of address requests.
- File a police report and obtain a copy.
