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Ten Ways to Reduce Your Chances of Becoming a Victim of Identify Theft
1. Don’t give your Social Security Number (“SSN”), date of birth, Driver’s License Number (“DL#), or bank account number, etc., to anyone unless you are 100% sure the request is legitimate. Beware of scams that require you to release this information because you have “won the lottery” or any other fictitious reason. Guard your identity information and account numbers as if they were your most valuable possessions.
2. Secure any documents within your home that contain your identify information, account numbers, etc, so that roommates, caretakers, or visitors won’t have access to them. Do not carry your Social Security card with you. Carry only the absolute minimum identifying documents. Safeguard your wallet and purse at all times. Be extra careful while shopping.
3. Shred documents that contain identity information or account numbers. Most credit card receipts now only show the last four digits. Still, after these charges are posted to your account, shred all receipts. Don’t leave credit card receipts on the table at a restaurant. Give them to the cashier on the way out. Thieves often “Dumpster Dive” to find your identity information, account numbers, etc.
4. Put outgoing mail in a mail drop box at the post office. Don’t put outgoing mail in your home or rural mailbox. When leaving home for more than a day, have the post office hold your mail until you return. Watch for statements that do not arrive on time. Thieves may have changed your address so you won’t receive and see your statements (and the charges they have made on your account).
5. Be watchful when someone else is handling your credit card. Some thieves will swipe your card twice. The second swipe is for their personal data collector. This is called “Skimming.” Review credit card statements promptly upon receipt. Immediately report any
unauthorized charges.
6. Don’t have your SSN or DL# preprinted on your checks. If you are cashing or writing a check and the store clerk ask you for your DL #, show them your Driver’s License so that someone standing near you can not hear you read it to the clerk. Some thieves obtain your identity information by standing around and listening. This is called “Shoulder Surfing.” Pick up your new checks at the bank instead of having them mailed to you. Check your bank statements promptly upon receipt. Report any suspicious checks or unauthorized withdrawals.
7. Use a firewall and virus detection system on your computer. Keep these and your computer operating system current with available updates. Put your system in “standby” when you are not using it. Ensure you are on a secure website (https) before you enter personal identity information, account numbers, etc.
8. Don’t respond to email requests for your identity information, account numbers or passwords. Thieves will often send emails with an attachment or a link for you to go to so you can enter identity information or update an account. This is called “Phishing.” Immediately delete any email that you suspect may not be legitimate. Thieves can also create a website that looks identical to eBay, AOL, etc. Check each website URL to ensure the website is the one you think it is.
9. Opt out of mailings for pre-approved credit from banks trying to lend you money and companies trying to give you a credit card. Call (888) 567 8688 to opt out. Shred these if you do receive them.
10. Check your Credit Reports often. You are entitled to a free copy from each of the three credit reporting companies each year. See www.annualcreditreport.com or call (877) 322 8228. Ask that only the last four digits of your SSN to be shown on the reports. Immediately report any suspicious activity.
Copyright © 2007 by Milton G. Avery. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without written permission.
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