Identity Theft
More and more often we are encountering victims of identity theft. Identity theft occurs when someone pretends to be you by using your personal financial information. Often, these thieves will apply for credit cards and loans using this stolen information. Many people’s good credit records have been ruined because people failed to implement some basic safeguards.
What You Should Know
The identity thief obtains your personal information by:
- Removing mail from your mail box, such as bank statements, and pre-approved credit card applications
- By stealing your purse or wallet
- By going through trash to find credit card receipts or other financial documents
- Posing as your employer, a loan officer, or a landlord to obtain your credit report
How You Protect Yourself
Properly dispose of all papers that contain any personal information. You should tear up bank statements, charge card receipts, credit offers, and any other documents that may have information regarding your personal finances.
Never give out your social security number over the telephone or the Internet. Don’t have your social security number printed on your checks. If you are asked for your social security number when cashing a check, refuse to provide it, instead offering another number (i.e. driver’s license number).
Keep the number of credit cards that you carry to a minimum, just one card if at all possible. Don’t carry your social security card in your purse or wallet. Make a photocopy (front and back) of all credit cards and other important items. If you have a scanner you could scan these documents to a floppy disk and store that disk for later use (do not store these items on your computer hard drive). Never keep PIN numbers in your wallet or purse.
Obtain a copy of your credit report at least once a year to ensure that all of the information is correct. Your are entitled, by law, to one free credit report each year.
Never give out your credit card or bank account number over the telephone, unless you have placed the phone call and you personally know the business.
What to Do if Your Wallet or Purse is Lost or Stolen
Contact your credit card companies immediately (this is where the photocopies made earlier come in handy). The telephone numbers are usually listed on the back of the cards. An immediate status on the card can prevent unauthorized use and assist in apprehension of the suspects. Report the case to the Police so that you can show that you used diligence in preventing fraud.
If you suspect that a person has stolen your credit cards, identification or other identifying information, contact the three major credit reporting agencies to have a fraud alert placed on your name and social security number. This will ensure that you are personally contacted prior to any credit activity.
Web Resources
Video
Deter. Detect. Defend. Avoid ID Theft
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
The FTC maintains the federal government’s Web site on Identity Theft. The FTC site is probably the most comprehensive site available on the topic of Identity Theft. This site will assist you in learning, in more detail, how identity thieves work and how to find help if you are a victim. The FTC also has a new hotline for victims to report identity theft and obtain help. Call 877-ID-THEFT.
Nebraska Attorney General's Office
The Nebraska Attorney General has a good site dealing with consumer protection issues.
Credit Reporting Agencies
| Equifax: | (800) 525-6285 |
| Experian: | (888) 397-3742 |
| Trans Union: | (800) 680-7289 |
Credits: This site features videos from the Federal Trade Commission . We would like to thank them for being such a strong supporter of consumers.