Don't let identity thieves ruin all you've worked for.

Someone can steal your identity in seconds - without you even knowing it. But it can take you over a year to clear your name and cost you thousands of dollars. With recent stories of identity theft in the news, safeguarding your identity is important now more than ever. You've worked hard to build your credit and your good name, protect it.

  How Can Someone Steal Your Identity?

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your name, Social Security number, credit card number or other identifying information, without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes.

Identity theft is a serious crime. People whose identities have been stolen can spend months or years - and their hard-earned money - cleaning up the mess thieves have made of their good name and credit record. In the meantime, victims may lose job opportunities, be refused loans, education, housing or cars, or even get arrested for crimes they didn't commit.

  Guarding Against Theft

Here are some tips to help protect yourself from credit and charge card theft.

Do:

• Sign your cards as soon as they arrive.
• Carry your cards separately from your wallet, in a zippered compartment, a business card holder, or another small pouch.
• Keep a record of your account numbers, their expiration dates, and the phone number and address of each company in a secure place.
• Keep an eye on your card during the transaction, and get it back as quickly as possible.
• Void incorrect receipts.
• Destroy carbons.
• Save receipts to compare with billing statements.
• Open bills promptly and reconcile accounts monthly, just as you would your checking account.
• Report any questionable charges promptly and in writing to the card issuer.
• Notify card companies in advance of a change in address.

Don't:

• Lend your card(s) to anyone.
• Leave cards or receipts lying around.
• Sign a blank receipt. When you sign a receipt, draw a line through any blank spaces above the total.
• Write your account number on a postcard or the outside of an envelope.
• Give out your account number over the phone unless you're making the call to a company you know is reputable. If you have questions about a company, check it out with your local consumer protection office or Better Business Bureau.

  If You Think Your Identity Has Been Stolen, Here's What to do Now:

		Contact the fraud departments of any one of the three major credit bureaus (see below for contact information) to place a fraud alert on your credit file. The fraud alert requests creditors to contact you before opening any new accounts or making any changes to your existing accounts. As soon as the credit bureau confirms your fraud alert, the other two credit bureaus will be automatically notified to place fraud alerts, and all three credit reports will be sent to you free of charge.
		Close the accounts that you know or believe have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. Use the ID Theft Affidavit when disputing new unauthorized accounts.
		File a police report. Get a copy of the report to submit to your creditors and others that may require proof of the crime.
		File your complaint with the FTC. The FTC maintains a database of identity theft cases used by law enforcement agencies for investigations. Filing a complaint also helps us learn more about identity theft and the problems victims are having so that we can better assist you.

Reprinted from the Federal Trade Commission-2005. All rights Reserved

 

  For more in-depth information on recovering from identity theft and help with specific problems, please read: ID Theft: When Bad Things Happen to Your Good Name.

 

Equifax 1-800-685-1111 www.equifax.com Experian 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742) www.experian.com Trans Union 1-800-916-8800 www.transunion.com

Preventing Identity Theft For Dummies