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Avoid ID Theft

Identity Theft occurs when someone uses you personally identifying information such as your name, social security number, and/or credit card information without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes.  The Federal Trade Commission estimates that 10 million Americans have their identities stolen each year.  Identity theft is serious, costing victims hundreds of dollars and dozens of hours cleaning up the mess thieves leave behind.  Victims can miss out on job opportunities or be denied loans due to negative credit information.  Victims may even get arrested for crimes they did not commit.

How Does it Happen?

• Theft of your purse or wallet
• Phishing, tricking you into revealing your information via e-mail or telephone
• Stealing records from businesses, medical offices, or data servers

How Do I Protect Myself?

The FTC recommends you follow the 3D's; Deter, Detect, Defend

Deter

• Shred documents and paperwork with personal information on them
• Protect your Social Security number
• Never give out personal information via e-mail, telephone, or mail unless you have initiated the contact
• Never click on links sent in unsolicited e-mail
• Do not use an obvious password
• Protect personal information at home if you have a roommate, employ outside help, or are having work done in your home.

Detect

• Watch for things that alert you to a potential problem such as unexpected credit cards and statements, mail or bills that do not arrive as expected, credit denials, calls or letters about purchases you did not make.
• Inspect your financial statements and credit report looking for changes you did not make.
• Order your credit report annually or more often.  All three credit reporting agencies give you one free credit report each year by going to www.annualcreditreport.com or by calling 1-877-322-8228.

Defend-If you suspect a problem

• Place a "Fraud Alert" on your credit reports by contacting the three nationwide consumer reporting agencies.
• Close any accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently
• File a police report
• Report your complaint to the FTC www.ftc.gov/idtheft or 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338)

Contact information for the three national consumer reporting agencies:

• Equifax:  1-800-525-6285
• Experian:  1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
• TransUnion:  1-800-680-7289