Identity Theft Prevention Tips

The best protection is prevention. Here are some tips to safeguard your good name.

• Be watchful of shoulder-surfers. At ATMs and phone booths, thieves will stand close enough to see PIN numbers punched in by users.
  Also watch for someone using a video camera. A camera is capable of zooming in from a distance and recording your PIN as you enter it.
• Mind those credit card receipts, especially since only a few credit card receipts have stopped listing full account numbers and expiration dates. Put the charge slip copies in a safe spot until your credit card bills arrive.
• Buy a shredder and use it. Shred everything, including credit card receipts (after you've reconciled your bill), old bank statements, medical statements, everyday bills, and preapproved credit card offers. Any document that has personal financial information on it can give an identity thief a foothold into your life.
• Monitor your credit accounts carefully, so you'll know if a bill's missing or unauthorized purchases have been made. Close out unused credit cards. Cutting them up is not enough.
• Limit the number of credit cards you carry.
• Write clearly on all credit applications. Consistently and completely fill in all credit and loan applications using your full name, first, middle and last. Every bill that comes to your house should be addressed exactly the same.
• Get Your Credit Report at least once a year and clean up any errors. Look for personal information and credit accounts that are not yours. It won't protect you from theft, but it will let you spot suspicious activity taking place in your name.
  The three major credit bureaus -- Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. On December 4, 2003, President Bush signed into law the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003. This act requires the credit Bureaus to provide you with a free credit report once a year.
• Never leave paid bills in your mailbox for the mail carrier to pick up. Drop them off at a post office box.
• If you're moving, contact all your creditors and update them of your address changes immediately. You don't want credit information and new credit cards being delivered to the wrong address.
• If your credit card expires and you don't receive a new one, call your creditor immediately.
• Protect your Social Security number. Only give your Social Security number when absolutely necessary. Avoid using it as your account number whenever possible. If merchants demand it, ask for an alternate number and take your business elsewhere if they insist on writing it on your check. Likewise, don't print it on your checks.
• Don't provide your Social Security number, bank account number or credit card number to anyone who contacts you through telephone solicitation.
• When shopping with an online merchant insure the online seller has been independently audited and deemed trustworthy. Look for a recognized seal of approval and verify the approval.
• Make sure any online credit card charges are handled through a secure site or in an encrypted mode.
• If your browser begins with-
• https you are on a secure site.
• http non-secure or normal site.
• When shopping on the web know how your personal information will be handled. Print out privacy policies, warranties, price guarantees and other important information.