Tip of the month archives

Identity criminals are very clever and do not necessarily fit a standard profile. Here is a short list of crime prevention techniques to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft.

1. To minimize the amount of information an identity thief can steal, do not carry extra credit cards, a social security card, birth certificate or passport in your wallet or purse, except when actually needed.

2. To reduce the amount of personal information that is in circulation consider the following:

	Remove your name from the marketing lists of the three major credit reporting bureaus. This will limit the number of pre-approved offers of credit that you receive (and that could be stolen from your mailbox and used).
	Sign up for the Direct marketing Association Mail Preference Service and the Telephone Preference Service. By doing so, your name is added to the computerized name deletion lists used by the nationwide marketers.
	Have your name and address removed from the telephone books and reverse directories.

3. Install a locked mailbox at your residence or business to reduce mail theft or use a post office box.

4. When you order new checks, do not have them sent to your home address. Have then sent to a PO box or arrange to pick them up at your bank.

5. When you pay bills, do not place the envelopes containing the checks in your home mailbox for the letter carrier to pick up. If stolen, your checks can be altered and cashed by identity thieves. It is best to mail your checks and other sensitive mail at the post office rather than your home or neighborhood mailbox.

6. Reduce the number of credit cards you actively use to a bare minimum. Carry only one or two credit cards in your wallet. Cancel all unused credit card accounts. Even though you do not use these accounts, account numbers are recorded in your credit report along with other data that can be used by identity thieves.

7. Keep a list and /or photocopy of all your credit cards, account numbers, expiration dates and telephone numbers of the customer service and fraud departments in a secure place (not your wallet or purse) so you can quickly contact your creditors in case your credit cards are stolen. Do the same with your bank accounts.

8. Never give out your credit card number or any other personal information over the telephone, unless you have a trusted business relationship with the person or company and you have initiated the telephone call.

9. Order your credit report once a year from each of the three major credit bureaus to check for inaccuracies and fraudulent use of your accounts. Make sure that you recognize every line of information established in your file.

More information is available at these resources:

Identity Theft Resource Center
Federal Trade Commission

Tip of the month archives

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