Identity Theft: Harmful to a Debt Free Life

Are you a likely target?

• "Dumpster Diving" - Searching through your trash (home and work).
• "Skimming" - Using a card reader to glean account information off the magnetic strip on your credit or debit cards.
• "Mail Theft" - Mail you send or receive may be stolen.
• "Pretexting" - Anyone using a false pretense to convince you to reveal any personal information.
• Bank and Credit Account Takeover - An ID, Social Security card, or Driver's License is used to invade existing accounts. Mail is then forwarded to a new PO Box or address to escape detection.
• "Phishing" - Involves creating emails or pop-ups that appear to be from trusted companies, or financial and government institutions. This is an attempt to lure you into divulging your personal information.
• Third Parties - Information is stolen from agencies you conduct business with, such as your bank, mortgage company, auto lender, insurance company, medical provider, etc.

• Never give out personal information over the telephone.
• Use anti-virus and a firewall when online.
• Frequently change passwords.
• Select difficult passwords by using letter-number combinations.
• Review credit card statements to check for unauthorized purchases.
• If you shop online, use websites with Secure Socket Layer ("https"). This will encrypt your information.
• Shred all personal documents and unwanted mail you intend to throw away containing account numbers, social security numbers, PINs, etc.
• Include only your name and address on your personal checks.
• Review copies of your credit reports annually for inconsistencies.
• Opt out of pre-screened credit card offers by calling 1-888-5-OPTOUT.
• Install a locked mailbox at your residence.
• When disposing of an old computer use a "wipe" utility program to overwrite the entire hard drive.

• Notify one of the three major credit bureaus. The other two will be contacted once fraud is confirmed. A "fraud alert" will be placed on your credit file by each bureau. In return, you will receive a free copy of your credit report.
• Contact your police department and file a report. List all fraud accounts. Obtain copies of the police report. Send them to your creditors and all three credit reporting agencies. Be sure to keep a copy for your records.
• Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 877-438-4338 or www.ftc.gov. The FTC watches for patterns to help break up theft rings operating on a large scale.
• Contact individual creditors on accounts that have been altered or opened without your knowledge. Request copies of all transactions where fraud is suspected. All correspondence with a creditor should be done in writing and should be sent via return receipt and certified mail. If you need professional help with debt management, contact Family Credit Management Service toll free at 1-800-994-3328. We are a credit and debt counseling service with resources to assist individuals with overwhelming debt problems.
• Change passwords on all your accounts. Do not use the last four digits of your Social Security number or your mother's maiden name. If you have any accounts without a password, add one.
• Be vigilant but patient during the process of correcting credit report information. It could take several months before the situation is completely resolved and the bad credit is removed.