Identity Theft
Identity Theft happens as a result of being the victim of a scam or giving out your personal information to an untrusted source. Victims of this crime is increasing every year. Although, the use of Ecommerce is increasing, and hackers are becoming more sophisticated with technology there are still ways you can protect your identity, and your credit reputation.
Identity Theft up 12.5% in 2009
Time to Detect Fraud: 132 Days
PROTECT YOURSELF
Protect your SSN, PIN, Account numbers, and other personal information. Never give these numbers out to an untrusted source. Untrusted sources can come from unwanted solicitations, such as phone calls, mail, and e-mails (known as phishing - learn more). Keep items that you don't need to carry on you in a safe place such as social security numbers, account numbers, PIN, etc.
Protect the mail delivered by your mail carrier: Do you ever really look at the junk mail delivered in your mailbox? Chances are there is a free credit approval, a check to cash for a free loan, or some other kind of literature for an approval with your name on it. Be sure to look for items like these in your mail and shred them oppose to just putting them in the trash. Thieves are known to "Dumpster Dive" for items like these. If you do not have a secure mailbox at your home and unable to remove the mail promptly consider renting a P.O. Box and have your mail delivered there. For outgoing mail that may contain a check or other documents with personal information, consider handing it directly to the mail carrier or mail it from the post office instead.
Check your bank and credit card statements. These are items that arrive to you by mail or electronically at least once a month. Check these statements when they arrive for any unknown activity on the accounts. If you do not receive a statement on time contact your financial institution or credit card company.
Click on any of the links below for more information on Identity Theft and how to protect yourself.
Learn more from FTC.gov
Identity Theft Tri-fold.PDF for Consumers
Identity Theft Tri-Fold.PDF for those in the Military
To download the Acrobat Adobe Reader Click Here
FDIC: ID Theft and fighting Back
Obtaining Your Free Credit Report