Identity Theft: Security tips for avoiding fraud


According to the National Crime Prevention Council, identity theft (also known as identity fraud) is the fastest growing crime in America. Affecting half-a-million people annually, identity theft results in money and credit loss from banks, retail establishments, utility companies and even rental properties. An impostor need only have your social security number and other identifying information (such as your date of birth, address and phone number) to rent an apartment, file bankruptcy or obtain a job under false pretenses. You can lessen your vulnerability to identity theft through the following precautions:

Do not disclose personal information over the phone, online or through the mail unless you have initiated the contact or know the source. Identity thieves pose as trusted figures – bank representatives, government officials, Internet service providers and salespeople – in order to obtain this valuable information.

Shred any identifying documentation before throwing it in the trash. This includes: credit card pre-approvals; bank statements and checks; insurance forms and any other financial or personal information.

Avoid using the following items as passwords: your mother’s maiden name; your date of birth; the last four digits of your social security number or any similar series of numbers.

Refrain from writing your social security number on checks or credit card receipts. When requested, give businesses an alternate number and explain why.

DID YOU KNOW: If a government agency requests your social security number, there must be a privacy notice accompanying the request!
Keep your telephone number off checks. This, too, is “extra” information that can be used against you.

Study your monthly bank statements carefully. This is the quickest way to discover if anyone has gotten hold of your account information and is making unauthorized debits or charges.

If you think you’ve become a victim of identity theft or fraud, immediately contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to report the situation. You can report the theft online at www.ftc.gov; by toll-free telephone at 1-877-ID THEFT (877-438-4338); or by mail to the Consumer Response Center, FTC, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20580.

In our current information age, there is more opportunity for identity theft than ever before. Though it is a frightening possibility, it is also preventable through extra care and common sense. Safeguard yourself by keeping personal information private and out of the wrong hands!