Identity Theft
How To Guard Against Identity Theft
- Remove mail promptly from your mailbox. Never use your mailbox for outgoing mail. Identity thieves raid mailboxes for credit card offers and statements.
- Guard your social security number. Do not give out your PIN or credit card numbers over the phone unless you initiated the transaction.
- Be very careful with receipts. Make sure you have them when you leave the store or ATM and do not throw them into public trash cans.
- Review your credit report from time to time. The major credit bureaus are:
- Equifax: 800-685-1111 (http://www.equifax.com)
- Experian: 888-397-3742 (http://www.experian.com)
- Trans Union: 800-888-4213 (http://www.tuc.com)
- Destroy pre-approved credit card offers before you throw them out.
- Account for all new checkbooks when you receive them in the mail.
- Block your ATM transaction with your body and prevent someone from learning your PIN.
- Commit all passwords and PIN numbers to memory so no one can see them in writing.
Help Keep Online Transactions Secure
- Avoid sending sensitive information, such as account numbers, through UNSECURED e-mail.
- Passwords or PIN numbers should be used when accessing an account online.
- General security over your personal computer such as virus protection and physical access controls should be used and updated regularly.
What To Do If You Are A Victim
- Close your accounts and create passwords for any new accounts.
- Request both a "fraud alert" with the three major credit bureaus and that no new credit be granted without your approval.
