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Protecting Against Identity Theft
Protect Yourself From Credit Card & Financial Fraud
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Nearly one million Americans have had their identities stolen according to recent government sources. This problem is big and getting bigger, but there are some simple measures you can take to help prevent identity theft from striking you.
Tips To Protect Against Identity Theft
- Be cautious when sharing your financial information
Your checking account number and credit card numbers should not be shared with anyone unless you know the organization. Shop online only at trusted stores, malls, and merchants that use a secure server. We recommend the stores in Free World Mall.
- Notify your bank, credit union and credit card companies immediately if you suspect you have been victimized. If you receive a phone call or email from anyone asking for your personal information, confirm the legitimacy of the source before you provide your information.
- Report lost or stolen checks as soon as you discover them missing. Your bank or credit union can stop payment on checks if notified in time. Be sure to examine new checks to make sure none have been lost or stolen in transit.
- Shred financial solicitations. Banks, credit unions, and mortgage company mail that contains any of your personal information should be shredded before disposing.
- Closely guard your ATM personal identification numbers (P.I.N.) and receipts.
- Examine your credit card and bank statements closely every month. Look for charges that you do not recognize. Contact the bank about questionable charges before paying your bill.
- Order your credit report and make certain the information contained in the report is timely and accurate. You should order your credit report at least once a year. The three U.S. major credit bureaus are ; Equifax 1-800-675-1111, Experian 1-888-397-3742, and TransUnion 1-800-916-8800.
- Place your out-going mail only in a secure, offical postal service collection box.
- If you fail to receive an anticipated bill or invoice statement, contact the company to find out why.
Tips About Passwords
- Do not use personal information in your passwords (i.e. your telephone, social security number of account numbers)
- Use a least one upper case letter and at least one number and one symbol in your passwords
- Change your passwords every few months. You may want to alternate between several passwords.
- Write down your passwords and keep them in a safe, secure location.
What To Do If You Are A Victim of Identity Theft
- Contact the Police Department and file a report. Be sure to obtain a police report number and information on how to reach the investigator. Share this information with companies you contact in getting your credit cleared up after the crime.
- Cancel your checking and savings accounts. Open new accounts.
- Inform your bank and/or credit union if your wallet or purse was stolen or lost.
- Get a new ATM card, with a new account number and PIN.
- Document your actions. Write down the persons name at every institution you speak with about your problem. Keep track of how much time you spend on correcting the problem. In some states, any person found guilty of financial identity theft will be offered to pay restitution to the victim for any financial loss, including lost wages and time spent on recovery.
- Stop payment on all outstanding checks and charges as soon as the problem is discovered.
- Keep copies of all correspondence and documents relating to to the theft and note of all telephone calls, including the date and time of your call and the name and title of of the person you spoke with.
- Contact the credit bureaus and have them flag your account(s) with a "fraud alert." This can also assist in capturing the crimal(s) involved. Contact your credit card companies and close any affect accounts.
- Contact the Federal Government, the Federal Trade Commision (FTC) runs the ID Theft Hotline and ID Theft Data Clearinghouse.
FTC Identity Theft Hot Line
Toll-free (877) IDTHEFT (438-4388)
Social Security Fraud Hot Line
Toll-free (800) 269-0271
U.S. Postal Inspectors
Toll-free (800) 372-8347
Special thanks to the NAFCU (National Association of Federal Credit Unions) for assisting in the information for this article.
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