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WASHINGTON - In this article, Congressman John Spratt gives some tips on protecting yourself from ID theft.
Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes, claiming more than 10 million victims a year. ID thieves scam information from you by posing as a legitimate business or government official over the phone; stealing credit card numbers electronically; stealing bank and credit card statements, pre-approved credit offers, new checks, tax information, or other personal information sent in the mail; and by filing “change of address” forms in order to divert your mail to another location.
Law enforcement and private companies are busy trying to stop identity theft, but you can help. Here’s what you should do and not do.
DO:
• Order a FREE copy of your credit report and check it for anything suspicious. You are entitled to one free copy each year. To order, call 1-877-322-8228 or visit www.annualcreditreport.com.
• Shred or cut up all credit card receipts and old bank statements and bills before throwing them away.
• Close all unused credit card or bank accounts.
• Remove your name from mailing lists for pre-approved credit lines and telemarketers.
• Keep your PIN number hidden when you use an ATM or public telephone.
• Contact your creditor or service provider if you notice odd charges or if expected bills don’t arrive.
• Update your computer virus software, use a secure browser, and install a firewall program.
• Visit www.OnGuardOnline.gov for tips on how to guard against Internet fraud and protect your computer.
DON’T:
• Give out personal information over the phone, mail, or Internet to solicitors.
• Carry information like your Social Security Number (SSN) or any PIN numbers or passwords in your purse or wallet.
• Put your SSN on your checks or other identifiers.
TAKE ACTION IF YOUR IDENTITY IS STOLEN:
• Place a fraud alert on your credit file by notifying one of the national credit bureaus.
• Contact all creditors and financial institutions that an identity thief may have used to conduct transactions in your name and close all tampered accounts.
• Contact your local police department, as well as your local FBI field office, and file a report.
• File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. Call 1-877-ID-THEFT, or visit www.consumer.gov/idtheft
I have supported laws to crack down on ID theft, including the 1998 Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act, the 2003 Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions (FACT) Act, and the 2004 Identity Theft Penalty Enhancement Act. I will continue to support bills to renew and strengthen these laws.
If you have questions or concerns about this or any other issue, please do not hesitate to contact my office in Rock Hill (803-327-1114), Sumter (803-773-3362), or Darlington (843-393-3998).
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