Identity
Crisis? Protecting Yourself Against Identity Theft
Life has become a lot easier over the
last few years-you can get money in a flash with ATM machines, pay
for your groceries with debit cards and buy anything you need online.
But life has become just as easy for thieves. All of this new technology
gives them more ways to get your personal information and rip you
off. Here's how you can protect yourself and your identity.
Beware of "Shoulder Surfers" and
"Dumpster Divers" It's
hard to believe, but someone could be looking over your shoulder
or digging through your garbage to get the financial goods on you--personal
data like your Social Security number, or your bank, credit card,
or telephone calling card number. This information can be used in
a flash to assume your financial identity. This could leave you
under a virtual black cloud of credit and legal problems that may
follow you for years. To weather this storm, you need the cold hard
facts on how to avoid becoming a victim and guidelines for quick
action should your luck change. So don't let some shady character
rain on your parade. Get the facts, know your options, and minimize
your risk. Start by visiting FTC's Identity Theft Site.
It will help keep your financial forecast bright and your identity
to yourself. |
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Why Is ID Theft Such
a Big Deal?
If someone has key pieces of your
personal data, like your Social Security number, date of birth, or your
mother's maiden name, he or she could take over your financial accounts, apply
for new credit cards, open new bank accounts, buy a new car, even apply for
Social Security benefits. Ultimately, they can drain your bank accounts and
ruin your credit rating. In the worst case scenario, the ID thief could even
commit another more serious crime, under your name, and give you a criminal
record. |
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Other Resources
This is just a brief overview. For
more information on ID theft, check out these resources from FCIC
and on the World Wide Web:
Pubs Available
for Ordering from FCIC:
Web Sites*:
*If
you click on these links, you are leaving FCIC's web site. Please bookmark us
before you leave so you can return easily. FCIC is not responsible for the
content of these web sites. |
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How Can Crooks Get My Personal Data?
It's easier than you think for criminals
to get their hands on your personal data. They don't even have to break into
your home or steal your wallet or mail to do so. You could unwittingly be
making their "job" easier. For example, do you make credit card calls in public
places? Do you swipe your debit card at the supermarket and punch in your PIN
number in plain view of other customers? Do you forget to cut up any credit
cards you don't want or need before throwing them in the trash? Simple everyday
tasks like these could help a criminal help himself to your personal data. Here
are some other tips to minimize your risk.
- Never give out your personal
information like Social Security number, date of birth, mother's maiden name,
credit card number over the telephone unless you initiated the call to a
trusted organization.
- Memorize your pin numbers or
passwords; don't keep them in your wallet.
- Sign all new credit cards upon
receipt.
- Report lost or stolen credit cards
immediately.
- Remove mail promptly from your mailbox
after delivery.
- Save all credit card receipts and
match them against your monthly bill.
- Never loan your credit
cards.
- Never leave receipts at bank machines,
gas stations or restaurants.
Because the US Postal Inspection Service
plays such a key role in trying to stamp out mail fraud, check out
www.usps.com/postalinspectors
for more information. |
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What if I am a Victim of ID Theft?
As soon as you know or suspect that
you've been victimized, act quickly. Contact all of your creditors-by phone and
in writing. And notify your local police, your banks, the DMV, the US Postal
Inspection Service and the three credit bureaus' fraud units:
- Equifax Credit Bureau, Fraud
1-800-525-6285
- Experian Information Solutions
1-888-397-0949
- TransUnion Credit Bureau, Fraud
1-
800-680-7289
You should ask for a "Fraud Alert/Victim
Impact" statement to be placed in your credit file. And ask your banks for a
new pin number and password. Be sure to keep good records of all contact you
make to notify companies and creditors of your situation.
You can also call the Federal Trade
Commission at 1-877-ID-THEFT to report the problem and the Social Security
Administration's Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271. |
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For more information on
other popular consumer issues check out FCIC's
Consumer Focus Archive. |
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