Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States (and the world) with more than 100,000 domestic cases reported annually. In addition, there are many other victims who have yet to realize that others are running up significant credit card charges under their names. To make

Identity thieves use numerous methods, only made easier by technology. They take identifiable information from public records kept on file in courthouses or create official looking emails and request information. They capitalize on cell phones or wireless phones by picking up the signal and copying down credit card information when someone makes a purchase.

What all of this means is that you need to be prudent about protecting yourself from identity theft. Here are some suggestions:

1. Request copies of your credit reports annually from the three major consumer-reporting agencies, Experian, Equifax and Trans Union Corporation. Review them carefully for errors.

2. Read your credit card statements carefully and immediately report anything that appears incorrect.

3. Do not carry unnecessary identifiable information with you, such as your social security card.

4. Have the numbers of your credit cards in a safe and handy place and contact the credit card companies immediately if they are lost or stolen.

5. Do not throw out papers with identifiable information in public trashcans. Tear up the papers and put them in your home trash. If you have a shredder, collect them and shred them.

6. If possible, do not use your social security number on documents that are for public record, such as a college I.D. or your driver’s license. Always ask if you can substitute another number.

7. Never provide identifying information over the phone or the Internet unless you have initiated the relationship. Also, make sure you do business only with companies whose street address and a phone number you have. Verify the information before making a transaction.

8. Be very careful to protect passwords from other people. Do not store such materials on your hard drive at home or at work.

9. When going out of town, do not let your mail pile up. Have the post office hold it for you.

10. Do not use wireless, cordless or cell phones (or other hand-held devices) to transmit bank account numbers, social security numbers or credit card numbers.

11. Ask anyone who has personal information on you to either mail it to you or shred it before disposing of it. This includes schools, doctors and hospital records.

While it is hard to completely protect yourself, the best you can do is to make sure that neither you - nor your children — give out any personally identifying information to anyone you do not know or with whom you have not made the initial contact.