Identity theft is the fastest-growing crime in America; 9.9 million victims were reported last year, according to a Federal Trade Commission survey. It can happen anywhere, and to anyone, so be cautious no matter where you live. To help protect yourself against identity theft, follow these tips:
Have only your initials (instead of first and middle name) and last name put on them. If someone takes your checkbook, they will not know if you sign your checks with just your initials or your first name, but your bank will.
- Never have your Social Security number printed on your checks.
- List your post office box, rather than your home address.
- Pick up your checks at a branch bank office rather having them mailed to your home.
Shred all pre-approved loan checks or credit cards you receive in the mail.
Do not carry your Social Security number in your wallet. The number is obviously on your Social Security card, but it may also be on membership and insurance cards. Look carefully at your wallet/purse contents.
When you write a check to pay on a credit card account, don’t write the full account number in the “For” line. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through processing channels won’t have access to it.
Make photocopies of all of your wallet contents. Copy both sides of each license, credit card, etc. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. You’ll know what you had in your wallet if it’s stolen, and you will have all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel your credit cards.
- Cancel your credit cards and put stop payments on checks.
- File a police report in the jurisdiction where it was stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, the first step toward an investigation if necessary.
- Call the three national credit reporting organizations and the Social Security Administration listed below to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. Ask about the expiration date of the fraud alert, as it is not permanent.
If you are a victim of identity theft, file a formal complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (877-438-4338) and add a seven-year Victim Statement to your credit report for all three bureaus listed above. Visit www.idtheftcenter.org, www.identitytheft.org, or www.consumer.gov/idtheft for more information.
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