Avoiding Identity Theft

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your name, credit card number, Social Security number, or other identifying information to commit fraud. Victims of this crime can spend years cleaning up the mess that criminals have made of their good name and credit record. In the mean time, you can be denied loans, lose job opportunities, and even get arrested for crimes you didn't commit. The best way to avoid identity theft is to limit access to your personal information. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Remove your Social Security number from public documents, such as personal checks, paychecks, and driver licenses.
   
2. Shred all paperwork that you discard containing identifying information (SSN, DOB, account numbers, etc.). Also shred all credit card offers that come in the mail. Use a cross-cut shredder rather than a strip shredder.
   
3. Order a copy of your credit report once a year by calling 877-322-8228, or order it online at www.annualcreditreport.com. This site allows you to request a free credit report once every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Be sure that all accounts and inquiries on your credit report are valid.
4. Stop the credit bureaus from sharing your information with marketers by contacting Equifax (www.equifax.com), Experian(www.experian.com), and TransUnion (www.transunion.com).
5. Stop all pre-screened credit offers by calling 888-567-8688. This can also be done online at www.optoutprescreen.com.
6. Stop most direct mail marketing to you at www.dmaconsumers.org/cgi/offmailinglist.
7. Stop most telemarketing to you at www.dmaconsumers.org/cgi/offtelephone.
8. Stop most unsolicited commercial email at www.dmaconsumers.org/optoutform_emps.shtml.
9. Stop unsolicited offers for mortgages or refinancing by calling the Acxiom U.S. Consumer Hotline at 877-774-2094.
10. Do not provide identifying information over the telephone or Internet unless you are sure that you can trust the other party. For online credit card purchases, be sure that the website is secure. A secure website has a URL that starts with https and a yellow lock in the bottom right corner of the Internet browser.
11. If your home computer is connected to the Internet, use a firewall. Firewalls can be purchased and downloaded online (e.g.,www.zonealarm.com).
12. Wireless networks are often not secure. Avoid conducting online financial transactions at public access wi-fi spots.
13. When disposing of a computer, delete all files containing personal information and clear information from the hard drive. Clearing the hard drive requires a computer program (free downloads are available at www.wizard-industries.com/sdel.html, www.heidi.ie/eraser/, www.codetek.com/safeshred, www.dekorte.com/Software/OSX/Shredder/).
14. Beware of phone calls that appear to be from banks or other businesses requesting personal information, such as SSNs, PINs, or account numbers. Do not provide any personal information. Tell them you will call back at the number listed on your account statement.
15. Beware of emails that appear to be from businesses requesting personal information. You may be directed to what appears to be an official company website and asked to provide information. No legitimate business will ask for personal information in this manner.
16. Never view, open or execute email attachments unless you know the purpose of the attachment and who it is from.
17. Beware of unsolicited email offers that sound too good to be true (e.g., millions of unclaimed dollars in a Nigerian bank account).
18. Verify all the information in your monthly credit card statements. Some thieves enter fraudulent charges in small dollar amounts hoping they will go undetected.
19. Watch for shoulder surfers who steal PINs, passwords, and credit card numbers by peeking over your shoulder while you are entering information at an ATM machine, telephone, or computer.
20. If you receive a call from a debt collector, do not assume it is a wrong number. Get the details and request documentation of the claim to determine if your identity has been used.

July 2005

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