HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM IDENTITY THEFT
PHYSICAL PROTECTION
  • DO NOT give personal information on the phone, through mail, or over the Internet unless self-initiated. This includes credit card numbers, financial information, or social security number.
  • Safeguard all identification, credit cards or other documents (including account statements) containing personal or financial information.
  • Regularly examine your financial statements and report discrepancies immediately to your financial institution and/or law enforcement if applicable.
  • Do not carry more identification (driver's license, social security card, passport, etc.,) credit or debit cards than you will use.
  • Beware of mail fraud. Remove mail promptly from your mailbox and only mail documents with private information via a secure site such as a U.S. Postal Service mailbox.
  • Shred or otherwise properly dispose of documents that contain your personal information.
INTERNET/ONLINE
  • When shopping online, make sure the Web site is secure by looking for https:// or the closed padlock or unbroken key icon in the bottom right corner of your browser.
  • Understand encryption.
  • Use authentication programs when using your credit or debit card online (i.e. Verified by Visa)
  • Avoid sending sensitive information, such as account numbers, through UNSECURED e-mail.
  • Read mail only from senders that you know.
  • Do not open suspicious e-mail attachments.
  • Secure your computer against viruses, spyware, and malware and update these regularly.
OTHER
  • Know your credit report by reviewing it regularly for completeness and accuracy. Request your free, annual credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies by clicking here. Stagger your requests. For example, get one free report from Experian, in four months get a free report from TransUnion, and in another four months get a free report from Equifax. Then start over with Experian exactly one year later.
  • Don't give out your Social Security Number unless absolutely necessary.
  • Use secure passwords on credit card, financial institution, Internet and phone accounts.
  • Choose to opt out of pre-approved offers of credit. Call #888-5-OPT OUT.
  • Reduce junk mail and telemarketing calls with the Direct Marketing Association at www.the-dma.org.
  • Memorize your passwords and Personal Identification Numbers (PINs). Never write your PIN or keep PIN numbers with your ATM, debit or credit cards.
  • Be wary of promotional scams. REMEMBER: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
  • Consider identity theft protection or monitoring services before you become a victim. Insurance is available to monitor your credit report, protect you against loss and/or reimburse you for associated expenses.
  • And, if victimized, contact local police, the FTC, and the three major consumer-reporting agencies as soon as possible.
    • Equifax – Equifax.com, 800.685.1111
    • Experian – Experian.com, 888.397.3742
    • TransUnion – TransUnion.com, 800.888.4213