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Identity
theft is a growing concern in the United States, as more of our
personal and financial information is available on the Internet
and through other public sources. A thief needs only your Social
Security number, your credit or debit card number or other similar
information to steal your identity. It is difficult and time consuming
to untangle the financial, legal and personal mess that results
if your identity is stolen. To reduce your odds of becoming a victim
of identity theft, take the following precautions:
At
Home
- Drop letters
or bills containing personal or financial information in locked
mailboxes at your Post Office. Do not mail from your home mailbox.
- When you
leave town, have a trusted friend or neighbor pick up your mail,
or ask the Post Office to hold it.
- Review
your monthly account statements and report any suspicious items
to the appropriate financial institution.
- Shred!
Buy a shredding machine (some cost only $20) and shred credit
card offers and other documents containing personal and/or financial
information.
- Keep other
records - monthly statements, credit reports and your Social Security
card - in a secure place.
On
the Phone
- Never
give your financial information to anyone over the telephone,
unless you initiated the call and know with whom you're speaking.
- Never
give a caller claiming to be from your bank or credit card company
your personal or financial information. The institution should
already have that info on file.
- Be careful
what you say when you are talking on a cell phone in a public
place...you never know who is listening!
Out
& About
- Be careful
with checkwriting: Your bank's routing number and your account
number are on the front of the check.
- When shopping
or eating out, do not leave receipts on tables or in your bags.
Always keep receipts with you.
Generally
- Protect
your social security, account and PIN numbers and computer passwords.
Note
that your Kansas driver's license may feature your SSN unless
you request the assignment of a random ID number.
- Avoid
giving your SSN to all that request it -- do not provide it to
doctors' offices, workout centers and other organizations unless
you know and understand how the SSN will be used, and who will
have access to it.
- Periodically
check your credit report to determine whether someone has wrongfully
opened or used any accounts in your name. Major credit bureaus
include: Equifax (1-800-525-6285); TransUnion (1-800-680-7289);
Experian (1-888-397-3742).
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