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Preventing Identity Theft
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While there is no guaranteed strategy to avoid identity theft,
you can minimize your risks and guard your personal information by following
these tips.
General Tips
- Do not give personal information over the phone, through the mail, via
e-mail or on the Internet unless you are sure that the person or business you
are dealing with is legitimate.
- Keep all your personal and account information (especially cancelled
checks) in a safe place, preferably a locked drawer or cabinet in your
home.
- Do not choose a PIN number that uses digits from a birth
date, Social Security Number (SSN), telephone number, or street address.
- Never write passwords on paper kept in a wallet or handbag.
- Use a cross-cut shredder to destroy credit card offers, health insurance
statements, and anything else containing your SSN before discarding them.
Ground Mail
- Never leave mail in public places, and always use a mailbox.
- Stop mail delivery when you are on vacation.
- Never write your account number on the outside of a payment envelope.
Social Security Number
- Do not carry your Social Security card with you.
- Only give out your SSN when absolutely necessary.
- Request a non-SSN driver's license number.
- Order your Social Security Earnings and Benefits Statement once a year from
the Social Security Administration [(800)
772-1213] to verify your reported earnings.
Financial Accounts
- Order new checks that use only your first initial with your last name.
- Check to see if bankruptcy has been
declared using your name.
Credit Cards
- Every year, order a copy of your credit report from all three major credit
reporting agencies to make sure it is accurate.
- Sign your new or replacement card as soon as you receive it.
- Keep a record of all credit card account and contact information in a
secure place at home.
- If a bill does not arrive on time, contact your credit card company.
- Compare receipts and billing statement regularly.
- Carry only the credits cards you think you will need on a given day.
- When using your credit card to make a purchase, keep an eye on the clerk
during the transaction.
Computers
- Don't use the automatic log-in and password feature.
- Configure your computer to automatically download and install operating
system updates.
- Update virus protection regularly.
- Install a firewall program, especially if you have a high-speed Internet
connection.
- Install an anti-spy program that searches and destroys spy software.
- Don't store financial information on your laptop; if you must, use a
password to protect it.
- When you make an online purchase, be sure you are in a secure section of
the Web site, with the address "https" and a lock in the
browser.
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03/17/08
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