Stop Identity Theft from Happening to You

Identity theft happens when your personal information is stolen and used without your knowledge or permission. It is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States and affects nearly 10 million Americans. It can be prevented from happening to you.

Have your mail delivered to a locked mailbox or post office box. Shred documents, especially bank and credit card statements, bills, and credit card offers, using a cross-cut shredder. Stop pre-approved credit offers by calling (888) 5-OPT-OUT or go to www.optoutprescreen.com to be removed from mailing lists. Have your mail held from being delivered while you are on vacation. Take outgoing mail, including bill payments and checks, directly to the post office.

Limit the amount of personal information you carry with you. Leave your social security card at home and only carry credit cards that are necessary. Make a photocopy of both sides of your driver’s license, all credit cards, and insurance cards. The back parts of most credit cards have important phone numbers you can call if your cards are stolen or misplaced. Keep the photocopies in a safe and secure place.

Only carry a few checks at a time and don’t put your phone number or social security number on your checks. It may be a good idea to use credit cards instead of checks or debit cards to pay because credit cards have a protection against fraudulent charges. It is easier to dispute a credit card charge than to try to get stolen money returned to your bank account.

Look over your financial information regularly to see if you are receiving monthly statements for all credit cards and bank accounts that have transactions for the most recent month or reporting period. If you are not receiving your statements, call your bank or credit card company. Make sure there are no suspicious charges on your accounts. Check your credit report to make sure it is accurate. Visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228 to order your free credit report. Your credit report should list all bank and financial accounts you have in your name.

Identity theft doesn’t have to happen to you. If you follow these tips you can keep yourself safe.