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Protecting Your Identity
Taking a few simple steps now can help prevent identity theft in the future.
Safeguarding Your Personal Information
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Shred papers with any of your personal information - especially credit card applications. |
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If you have the option to choose a password on personal accounts, don't use your mother's maiden name. And remember, online User ID's and password combinations are confidential and for your protection. They should never be shared. |
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A growing trend in identity theft involves criminals stealing checks out of mailboxes. When mailing your bills, don't leave payment envelopes containing checks in your mailbox; use a secure mailbox. Also, pay attention to the information that you write on your checks. For example, when you pay your credit card bill, don't list the entire credit card number on the “for” line. For even greater protection, use an
online bill payment service.  |
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Don't give out your Social Security Number to anyone unless you have initiated the contact and know who you are dealing with. Don't carry your Social Security Card with you and don't print your Social Security number on your checks. Also, use your work telephone number instead of your home telephone number. |
| Monitoring Your Personal Information |
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Review your financial statements carefully. Question transactions that look unfamiliar. Also, if you don't receive your statement when you're expecting it, contact your financial institution. |
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Check your credit report at least once a year. We've listed
the three credit reporting agencies below. Consumers
are eligible for a free credit report annually from each of the three major
credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Click
here for
reports and additional information. Once you get your report, look at it carefully.
Is all your information correct? Are there any accounts or addresses that aren't
familiar? Does the number of inquiries seem reasonable? Any unusual information
may indicate identity theft. Contact the agency's fraud hotline right away.
You also have the option of adding a consumer fraud alert that will require
creditors to contact you whenever a new account is opened in your name. |
If you think you might be a victim of identity fraud, contact your local police department, the credit reporting agencies listed below and the Federal Trade Commission. Their website is: www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/
Credit Reporting Agencies:
Equifax
To report fraud, call: 888-766-0008 and write:
P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
www.equifax.com/
To order your credit report, call: 800-685-1111 or write:
P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
TransUnion
To report fraud, call: 800-680-7289 and write:
Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92634,
www.transunion.com
To order your credit report, call 800-888-4213 or write:
P.O. Box 1000, Chester PA 19022,
Experian
To report fraud, call: 888-397-3742 and write:
P.O. Box 2002, Allen TX 75013
www.experian.com
To order your credit report, call: 888-397-3742 or write:
P.O. Box 2002, Allen TX 75013
Other information available at:
www.identitytheft.org
www.privacyrights.org
www.idtheftcenter.org
www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/
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