Identity Theft

Fears of Identity Theft

What you can do to prevent Identity Theft

Shred financial documents: Shred anything that may contain your private information!

Do Not let your credit card out of your sight!

Sign the back of your credit/debit cards, Some people like to sign their cards with "Ask for ID" or "CID". I do suggest that you add this to your cards, but you still need to sign them. Some merchants will not accept them without a signature. Most of all, they will have a signature to compare at the time of purchase.

Protect your Social Security Card.   There is no need to carry your card with you! Keep it in a safe place. I have also been informed that you should never laminate your Social Security Card, they can not validate the card if they can not feel the special paper that is used to make them.

Don't give out personal information  If you didn't call them or email them, don't tell them your personal information.

Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails; instead type in a web address you know. Use firewalls, spyware and antivirus software to protect your home computer and keep them up to date.

Don't use obvious passwords like birthdates, mother's maiden name, or last four digit of your Social Security Number. They can find this information about you!

Keep your personal information in a secure place at home.

Check your credit report yearly. Check it for free with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

This is how it is done:

Yes they work very hard at taking what does not belong to them!

Dumpster Diving - This is a very proud moment! They will go through trash for personal information.

Skimming - Keep an eye on your cards and check you accounts frequently. These trustworthy people will steal credit/debit card information by using a special device when processing your cards.

Phishing-Those annoying pop ups or unknown emails can be more than annoying. They can be someone pretending to be financial institutions or companies and send spam or pop-up messages to get you to reveal your personal information.

Change your address - For some reason you have not been getting any mail!  Unfortunately they can complete a change of address form and diverting your mail. It could only be temporary, but long enough to get the information they are seeking.

"Old Fashion" Stealing - They steal wallets and purses; mail, including bank and credit card statements; pre-approved credit offers; and new checks or tax information. They steal personnel records from their employers, or bribe employees who have access.

Take this fun Quiz: http://onguardonline.gov/quiz/idtheft_quiz.html

If you have experienced identity theft and need assistance or would like more information on identity theft visit the Federal Trade Commission website here: www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/

Internet Safety Tips can also be found at: http://www.onguardonline.gov/

Visit my website at www.johnlscott.com/cathylemon.