Identity theft is a serious crime. It occurs
when your personal information is stolen and used without your knowledge to
commit fraud or other crimes. Identity theft can cost you time and money. It
can destroy your credit and ruin your good name.
There are several key steps that you can take to safeguard you information.
* Shred financial
documents and paperwork with personal information before you discard them.
* Protect you Social Security number. Don't carry your Social Security
card in your wallet or write your Social Security number on a check. Give it
out only if absolutely necessary or ask to use another identifier.
* Don't give out personal information on the phone, through the mail, or
over the Internet unless you know who you are dealing with.
* Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails; instead, type in a
web address you know. Use firewalls, anti-spy ware, and anti-virus software to
protect your home computer; keep them up to date.
* Don't use an obvious password like your birth date, your mother's
maiden name, or the last four digits of your Social Security number.
*
Keep your personal information in a secure place at home, especially if
you have roommate employ outside help, or are having work done in your home.
Detect suspicious activity by monitoring your financial accounts and billing
statements.
Be alert to signs that require immediate attention:
* Bills that do not arrive as expected.
* Unexpected credit cards or account statements.
* Denial of credit for no apparent reason.
* Calls or letters about purchases you did not make.
Inspect:
* your credit report. Credit reports contain information about you,
including what accounts you have and your bill paying history. The law requires
the major nationwide consumer reporting companies - Equifax, Experian, and
Trans Union - to give you a free copy of your credit report each year if you
ask for it. (Two per year are allowed in Georgia).
* Your financial statements. Review financial accounts and billing
statements regularly, looking for changes you did not make.
Defend against ID theft as soon as you suspect it.
*Place a "Fraud Alert" on your credit report, and review the
reports carefully. The alert tells creditors to follow certain procedures
before they open new accounts in your name or make changes to your existing
accounts. The three nationwide consumer reporting companies have toll free
numbers for placing an initial 90-day fraud alert; a call to one company is
sufficient:
* Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
* Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
* Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289
Placing a fraud alert entitles you to free copies of your credit reports. Look
for inquiries from companies you haven't contacted, accounts you didn't open,
and debts on your accounts that you can't explain.
* Close accounts. Close any accounts hat have been tampered with or
established fraudulently.
* Call the security or fraud departments of each company where an account was
opened or changed without your okay. Follow up in writing with copies of supporting
documents.
* Ask for verification that the disputed account has been closed and the
fraudulent debts discharged.
* Keep copies of documents and records of you conversation about the theft.
* File a police report. File a report with law enforcement officials to
help you with creditors who may want proof of the crime.
* Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission.
Your report help law enforcement officials across the country in their
investigations.
* Online: ftc.gov/idtheft
* By phone: 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-3228)
* By mail: Identity Theft clearinghouse, federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC
20580
