How can someone steal your identity? Identity Theft occurs
when someone uses your personal information such as your name,
Social Security number, credit card number or other identifying
information, without your permission to commit fraud or other
crimes.
Consumers whose identities have been stolen can spend months
and years clearing up their good name and credit, not to mention
the expense that may be involved. The best way to help prevent
becoming a victim of Identity Theft is to safeguard your personal
information:
Protect your Social Security Number
Remove from your driver’s license and insurance cards.
Don’t put your social security number on your checks
or carry a copy in your wallet. If you have to provide your
number for anything, offer only the last 4 digits and request
that your number is taken off any loan applications.
Protect your Credit Cards
Carry your credit cards separately from your wallet and void
any incorrect receipts. Report any questionable charges in
writing and send by registered mail to the credit card companies.
Keep a secured copy of all account numbers and sign any new
cards you receive. Never leave your credit cards unattended
and protect all accounts with a password. Destroy account
numbers on discarded cards and cut across account numbers.
Protect your ATM/Debit card:
Review all monthly statements for accuracy and report any
discrepancies you may find. Check account activity regularly
and do not carry your pin number on your person. Be alert
for "peering eyes" when making a purchase and do
not leave ATM receipts behind.
Protect your Financial Documents:
Shred all personal information in a shredder whenever possible
and do not carry extra cards or identifying documents.
ACCC recommends an annual review of your credit report from
all three credit-reporting agencies. If you believe you have
been a victim of Identity Theft at any time, you should immediately
order a copy of your reports.
Identity Theft Protection | Identity Theft Prevention | Prevent Identity Theft | Identity Theft Solution | Internet Identity Theft | Reporting Identity Theft
|
