Identity Theft
Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in our country
today. It is also one of the most difficult to detect until it is
too late and the damage has been done. The time and energy to correct
damaged credit and to re-establish your personal identity is reason
enough to take steps to prevent this frustrating crime. The following
prevention tips should be considered to protect your identity and
to ensure your financial stability.
What Personal Information Should You Protect?
- Social Security Number
- Date of Birth
- Name
- Address
- Phone Number
- Bank Accounts
- Mothers Maiden Name
- PIN Numbers
- Investment Information
- Credit Cards
- Any Personal Info
How Thieves Steal Your Personal Information
- Mailbox tampering - Do not leave out-going mail (especially
paid bills) in your mailbox and collect each days mail promptly.
If your neighborhood does not have a “common” mailbox
with locking doors, contact your local post office. Also, report
any mailbox damage immediately. Thieves will look for bank statements,
pre-approved credit applications, utility bills, etc.
- Telemarketing fraud - Do not give out personal information
over the phone or over the Internet. Fraudulent callers may pose
as government officials, bank and insurance representatives, and/or
any other “official” sounding and “concerned”
person.
- “Dumpster divers” - Criminals may go through your
trash to collect information about your personal situation. You
should always shred credit cards and utility bills, including
receipts, and any documents that list your personal information
prior to disposal.
- Stealing Your Purse or Wallet - Carry only necessary items for
a particular trip.
- Stealing Your Credit Report - An identity thief may pose as
an employer, loan officer, landlord or realtor to gain access
to your credit report.
- ATM Transactions - Be careful when using an ATM machine. Take
special care to prohibit any one from seeing your PIN number.
Do not write your number down—memorize it.
- New tactics - Criminals will try to stay one step ahead of our
prevention techniques. Maintain your diligence and continue to
be suspicious of a stranger who takes an interest in you.
How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
- Do not give your credit card or bank account numbers to any
one over the phone unless you made the call and know the business.
- Do not give your Social Security number to any one and don't
have it printed on your checks.
- Shred all your papers with personal information that is no longer
needed, including charge receipts, bank statements, expired credit
cards, credit offers prior to disposal, etc.
- Reduce the number of cards you carry and don't carry your Social
Security card or number, birth certificate, or passport with you
except when necessary.
- Check credit card statements and report unauthorized purchases
immediately.
- Be aware of people who are nearby when you use an ATM machine.
- When ordering new checks, do not have them sent to your home.
Pick them up at the bank.
- Use a “Gel Pen” to write checks. Gel pens are difficult
to wash and therefore cannot be reused if your checkbook is stolen.
- If you are a victim, call the three major credit-reporting agencies
and have a Fraud Alert placed in your file. Request a report from
each source at least once a year to verify accuracy:
Equifax 1-800-525-6285
Experian 1-888-397-3742 or regionally at 602-528-7785
Trans Union 1-800-680-7289
The Social Security Administration Fraud Hotline (1-800-269-0271)
and Federal Trade Commission Hotline (1-877-IDTHEFT/438-4338)
are also recommended contacts.
APD Crime Prevention 924-3600