Identity Theft

Reduce Your Risk of Identity Theft

Before disclosing any personal information, make sure you know why it is required and how it will be used.

Check your monthly statements for unauthorized charges then shred or burn credit card receipts, billing statements and other papers that have any part of your personal identifying information on them.

Keep a record of all your credit card numbers and the phone numbers so that you can get in touch immediately if an unauthorized charge shows up on your bill.

Alert all agencies if your information is lost or stolen immediately.

File a Police Report.

Do not carry extra credit cards, your birth certificate or passport, or other cards that display your SSN except when necessary.

If you are a victim, contact the fraud departments of the three major credit bureaus. Request that a “fraud alert” be placed on your file and include a statement that creditors must get your permission before any new accounts are opened in your name. Get a copy of your credit report from each bureau so that you can dispute any inaccurate information. Contact the Federal Trade Commission for useful information at 1-877-IDTHEFT.

The three major credit bureaus are:Equifax 800-525-6285/www.equifax.com

Experian 888-397-3742/www.experian.com/Trans Union 800-680289/www.tuc.com