Protecting Your Identity
This site contains information on how to protect yourself from identity theft as well as what to do to if your personal information becomes exposed or if you actually become a victim of identity theft.
What is Identify Theft?
Identity theft occurs when someone uses another person’s personal information such as name, Social Security number, driver’s license number, credit card number or other identifying information to take on that person’s identity in order to commit fraud or other crimes.
How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
The following tips can help lower your risk of becoming a victim of identity theft.
- Protect your Social Security number. Unless required for a specific purpose (new job, passport application, professional exam, etc.), do not carry your Social Security card or other cards that show your SSN.
- Use caution when giving out your personal information. Scam artists “phish” for victims by pretending to be banks, stores or government agencies. They do this over the phone, via e-mail, or using postal “snail” mail.
- Treat your trash carefully. Shred or destroy papers containing your personal information including credit card offers and ?convenience checks? that you do not use.
- Protect your postal mail. Retrieve mail promptly. Discontinue delivery while out of town.
- Check your bills and bank statements. Open your credit card bills and bank statements right away. Check carefully for any unauthorized charges or withdrawals and report them immediately. Call if bills do not arrive on time. It may mean that someone has changed contact information to hide fraudulent charges.
- Check your credit reports. Review your credit report at least once a year. Check for changed addresses and fraudulent charges.
- Stop pre-approved credit offers. Pre-approved credit card offers are a target for identity thieves who steal your mail. Have your name removed from credit bureau marketing lists. Call toll-free 888-5OPTOUT (888-567-8688).
- Ask questions. Ask questions whenever you are asked for personal information that seems inappropriate for the transaction. Ask how the information will be used and if it will be shared. Ask how it will be protected. If you are not satisfied with the answers, do not give your personal information.
- Protect your computer. Protect personal information on your computer by following good security practices.
- Use strong, non-easily guessed passwords.
- Use firewall, anti-virus, and anti-spyware software that you update regularly.
- Download software from only sites you know and trust, and only after reading all the terms and conditions.
- Do not click on links in pop-up windows or in spam e-mail.
- Use caution on the Web. When shopping online, check out a Web site before entering your credit card number or other personal information. Read the privacy policy and take opportunities to opt out of information sharing. Only enter personal information on secure Web pages that encrypt your data while in transit. You can often tell if a page is secure if “https” is in URL or if there is a padlock icon on the browser window.
Steps to Take if Your Data Becomes Compromised or Stolen
If you have reason to believe, your personal information has been compromised or stolen, contact the Fraud Department of one of the three major credit bureaus listed below.
- Equifax
Direct Line for reporting suspected fraud:
800-525-6285
Fraud Division
P.O. Box 740250
Atlanta, GA 30374
800-685-1111 / 888-766-0008
http:www.equifax.com
- Experian
Direct Line for reporting suspected fraud:
888-397-3742
Credit Fraud Center
P.O. Box 1017
Allen, TX 75013
888-EXPERIAN (888-397-3742)
http://www.experian.com
- Trans Union
Direct Line for reporting suspected fraud:
800-680-7289
Fraud Victim Assistance Department
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92634
Phone: 800-916-8800 / 800-680-7289
http://www.transunion.com
When contacting the Credit Reporting Agency, you should request the following:
- Instruct them to flag your file with a fraud alert including a statement that creditors should get your permission before opening any new accounts in your name.
- Ask them for copies of your credit report(s). (Credit bureaus must give you a free copy of your report if it is inaccurate because of suspected fraud.) Review your reports carefully to make sure no additional fraudulent accounts have been opened in your name or unauthorized changes made to your existing accounts. NOTE: In order to ensure that you are issued free credit reports, we strongly encourage you to contact the agencies DIRECT LINE (listed above) for reporting fraud. We do not recommend that you order your credit report online.
- Be diligent in following up on your accounts. In the months following an incident, order new copies of your reports to verify your corrections and changes, and to make sure no new fraudulent activity has occurred.
- If you find that any accounts have been tampered with or opened fraudulently, close them immediately. To ensure that you do not become responsible for any debts or charges, use the ID Theft Affidavit Form developed by the Federal Trade Commission to help make your case with creditors.
Other Useful Resources and Sites
The following resources provide additional information to help you protect your identity and yourself.
Social Security Administration
SSA Fraud Hotline: 800-269-0271
http://www.ssa.gov/
If you are the victim of a stolen Social Security number, the SSA can provide information on how to report the fraudulent use of your number and how to correct your earnings record. We encourage you to contact the Fraud Hotline immediately once you suspect identity theft. The website also provides tips on using and securing your Social Security number.
Federal Trade Commission
This sites identity protection facts and tips for consumers.
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/idtheft.htm#CRContact.