Identity Theft

Identity Theft occurs when someone uses your name or personal information, such as your Social Security number, driver's license number, credit card number, telephone number or other account numbers, without your permission. Identity thieves use this information to open credit accounts and make major purchases - all in your name. Information can be used to take over your existing accounts, or to open new accounts. Identity theft can result in damage to your credit rating and denials of credit and job offers.

Protect Your Identity

While there is no guarantee that your identity will never be stolen, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk:

Do not give your Social Security number to people or companies that you do not know.
Before disclosing any personal information, make sure you know why it is required and how it will be used.
Shred information you no longer need that contains personally identifiable information and account numbers. For example, credit card receipts, billing statements and pre-approved credit offers should be shredded before you discard them.
Guard your mail from theft. Promptly remove your incoming mail from your mailbox and place outgoing mail in post office collection boxes. Install a locking mailbox if mail theft is a problem in your neighborhood.
Keep personal information you have at home and at work in a safe place.
Do not carry extra credit cards, your birth certificate or passport, or other cards that display your Social Security number in your wallet or purse. Except when necessary.
Create unique passwords and personal identification numbers (PINS) and avoid using easily available information such as mother's maiden name, date of birth, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. Use passwords on your banking and brokerage accounts.
Get a copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies at least once each year. Review the reports to be sure no one else is using your identity to open new accounts or to use your existing accounts.

If You Are A Victim.

Contact your local police agency and report the crime.
Contact the fraud departments of the three major credit bureaus. Request that a "Fraud Alert" be placed on your file and include a statement that creditors must get your permission before any new accounts are opened in your name. Get a copy of your credit report from each credit bureau so that you can dispute any inaccurate information. Check your reports at least every six months.

THE THREE MAJOR CREDIT BUREAUS ARE:

EQUIFAX Order Credit Report: 800-685-1111
Report Fraud: 800-525-6285
www.equifax.com

EXPERIAN
Order Credit Report: 888-397-3742
Report Fraud: 888-397-3742
www.experian.com

TRANS UNION Order Credit Report: 800-888-4213
Report Fraud: 800-680-7289
www.transunion.com

Contact all the creditors involved. Let them know that your accounts may have been used without your permission, or that new accounts have been opened in your name.

Keep a record of all your contacts. Make notes of who you called, when you called and what you reported.