Facts about Identity Theft

"Last year alone, the Federal Trade Commission logged more than 85,000 complaints from people whose identities had been pirated. That may only be the tip of the iceberg; some consumer advocates suggest as many as 750,000 identities are stolen each year." [Time Magazine]

The most typical types of identity theft are as follows:

How to protect yourself

Step # 1 - Shred pre-approved credit card offers

If you decide not to accept a pre-approved credit offer, shred it before you throw it away. That goes for any other document imprinted with your Social Security number, date of birth, driver's license, phone number and any type of financial account or utility account number. Your trash can be a gold mine for thieves, so make sure this critical information is shredded before it leaves your house. If you do not want to receive pre-approved credit offers, call 1-888-5-OPT-OUT [1-888-567-8688] to be removed from the lists of major credit bureau lists.

Step # 2 - Don't display critical information

Do not print your Social Security number, phone number, date of birth or credit card account number on your checks, and don't give this information to a merchant who wants to write it on your check at the time of purchase.

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Step # 3 - Secure your mail

Stealing mail is another way that identity thieves obtain your personal information. Consider buying a lockable mailbox if your current mailbox is unsecured. If your mail suddenly stops coming, call the post office immediately. Identity thieves have been know to divert a victim's mail by filing a change of address form.

Step # 4 - Monitor your credit

Monitor your credit report on a regular basis. If you find a change of address you did not initiate or accounts you did not apply for, check out Experian's Fraud Center or call 1-888-397-3742 and request a copy of your personal credit report. The credit report will include contact information for requesting an investigation of incorrect information. It's also important to watch your monthly billing statements for errors.

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What to do if you're a victim

Once you become aware that your personal information is being used fraudulently, your best defense is taking fast action to minimize future damage. You should first contact your creditors to close any fraudulent accounts. Next, notify the national crediting reporting agencies by calling Experian: 888-397-3742; Equifax: 800-270-3435; and Trans Union: 800-680-7289.

Each CRA [credit reporting agency] will add a fraud alert message that says, "Fraudulent applications may be submitted in my name using correct personal information. Do not extend credit without first contacting me personally and verifying all applicant information." The date the security alert was issued is also included.

Experian's fraud alert will remain for 90 days. CRAs will send you a complimentary copy of your personal credit report as legislated for victims of fraud, and as a further precaution, remove your name from prescreened offer mailing lists. They will provide you with tips for recovering from fraud.

They will also offer you the opportunity to request that a fraud alert message be added to your personal credit report for an extended period of time. This message says, "Fraudulent applications may be submitted in my name using correct personal information. Do not extend credit without first contacting me personally and verifying all applicant information at [your day phone number] or [your evening phone number]. Date reported-[mm/yy]." This message will remain on your Experian report for seven years.

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Links:
::   www.identitytheftcenter.com   » ::
::   http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/idtheft.htm   » ::
::   http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/   »  ::