Identity Theft is the signature crime of our times. This article has three parts: First, what you can do to help prevent being a victim; Second, what you can do now to help if your identity is stolen. The third section provides a checklist of steps to follow if your identity is stolen and additional resources.
Tips to Avoid Identity Theft
1. Never give personal information unless you initiated the contract. An example is "phishing" - a fraudulent email sent to you requesting personal information such as account numbers, date of birth, etc. Another example is a solicitation call you receive with a request for your social security number and address. If they call you or email you - don't provide any information.
2. Don't include personal information on your checks. If you have your driver's license or phone number or other convenient information listed on your check beyond the minimum required by your bank, shred them and get new check documents now. Your checks or canceled checks listing personal information are an open invitation for identity theft.
3. Shredders are an important investment. Shred all your receipts, canceled checks, credit card offers and anything that has personal or account information. Dumpster Diving crooks looking for important identity information were involved in 20% of the ID theft crimes solved.
4. Pay attention to your financial accounts. Watch your bank accounts and credit card statements for unauthorized charges. At least once a year, review a copy of your and your spouse's credit report. Be alert for any suspicious financial transactions.
5. Reduce what is carried in your wallet or purse. Keep only what you need in your wallet or purse. Remove your social security card and keep it securely filed. Cull your credit cards to only the ones you are likely to use. Don't carry your birth certificate or passport except when specifically needed.
6. Be serious about passwords. Use passwords and challenge questions on your accounts that a criminal won't be able to guess.
7. Protect your computer. Use a firewall program to thwart spyware, computer viruses and limit hacker access. Don't load personal financial information on your laptop. Do not open files sent to you by strangers. Know and clearly identify a website that you use and only provide personal information via known and secured site. Before you discard a computer, use a wipe utility to clean the hard drive.
Be Prepared for Identity Theft
1. Create an "Identity File" with copies (front & back) of all your credit cards and other key financial and identity records. Also, include the access information for all three national credit reporting agencies and appropriate government agencies. You will need this information in this file to alert your creditors, credit bureaus and government officials. Be sure to keep this file in a secure location.
2. Subscribe to an Identity Management Service. Generally these services provide easy access to your credit file and alerts if suspicious activities are seen. They also often provide professional help if you become an ID theft victim. While ID Management services are sold separately, also check with your home insurance provider to see if an Identity Management service can be bundled with your home insurance at a lower cost.
Identity Theft Victim Checklist
1. Notify the police. You will need the police report number when you call your creditors, bank officials and government agencies. It is also important to establish the specific time and date when you realize your identity was stolen.
2. Notify your bank. This is particularly important if checks were stolen or account information was compromised. The bank officials will likely have you open a new, uncompromising account at once.
3. Contact your Credit Card Accounts. Get your credit card company to provide uncompromised replacement credit cards. Have them cancel your stolen or compromised credit cards to limit unauthorized charges.
4. Contact all three Credit Bureaus. Request that a fraud alert be put on your file. Request a copy of your credit reports to determine if any accounts were opened without your authorization. Request correction of any information that was corrupted by the identity theft.
5. Contact Government officials. If your social security, state driver's license or passport was stolen or compromised, contact the appropriate agencies.
6. Contact the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC is the designated agency of the Federal Government to report an ID theft.
