Identity theft

man on stairs with laptopWhen bad things happen to your good name Protecting yourself against a fast-growing crime in the U.S. should be a priority. With a surplus of credit card offers and "swipe machines," identity theft has become easier than ever. Learn how to protect yourself against identity theft and what to do if it happens to you.

 

What is identity theft?

Identity theft is any unauthorized use of your personal information. Thieves can retrieve your information by:

  • Stealing records from employers (yours or theirs)
  • Bribing employees with access to your records
  • Hacking into an organization's computers
  • Searching your trash at home or work ("dumpster diving")
  • Stealing your wallet or purse (containing ID, credit cards, checks, Social Security card, etc.)
  • Accessing and using your credit and debit card numbers with information storage devices ("skimming")
  • Stealing your mail—especially bank and credit card statements, checks, loan pre-approvals, tax information, etc.

Avoid becoming a victim of identity theft

Always be sure to protect the following information:

  • Social Security number (do not carry your Social Security card in your wallet)
  • Passwords and PINs for debit cards, phone cards, computers
  • Credit card numbers
  • Current and former addresses
  • Birth date
  • Mother's maiden name and birth date
  • Your credit score and report (visit Annual Credit Report to retrieve a copy of your report)

Mail dos

  • Use a secure mailbox for your outgoing mail
  • Check your statements and bills every month
  • Shred anything containing personal information
  • Reduce the amount of solicitations you receive

Mail and email don'ts

  • Don't have checks—blank or otherwise—sent to an unlocked mailbox
  • Don't include your Social Security number (SSN) or credit card information in emails

Telephone dos

  • Sign up with the National Do Not Call Registry at www.donotcall.gov
  • Keep your cell phone voicemail PIN private
  • Check your phone bill for accuracy

Telephone don'ts

  • Don't give out your SSN or other personal data to callers
  • Don't list your phone number
  • Don't conduct personal business when you can be overheard

ATM / debit card dos

  • Use a PIN that’s difficult to figure out
  • Watch for people looking over your shoulder

ATM/Debit card don'ts

  • Don't use convenience store ATMs—they may not be as secure as bank machines
  • Don't use your debit card for online shopping; use a credit card (debit cards give access directly to your bank account; credit cards often have better protection for problems with merchandise)

Computer dos

  • Use up-to-date virus and security protection
  • Use one credit card for Internet shopping
  • Scrub the hard drive of computers you discard
  • Close your browser after online banking or shopping

Computer don'ts

  • Don't store personal information or passwords on your computer
  • Don't store credit or bank card numbers on your computer
  • Don't open or respond to unknown e-mail, especially attachments
  • Don't fall for "phishers," scammers who send legitimate looking email fishing for personal information

What if I become a victim?

  • Step 1: Place a fraud alert on your credit report by contacting Experian, TransUnion, or Equifax
  • Step 2: Close your accounts
  • Step 3: File a police report
  • Step 4: File a complaint with the FTC
  • Step 5: Follow up all claims in writing and keep copies

Resources