Identity Theft ranges from a simple theft of a credit card number to a comprehensive impersonation of an individual for various fraudulent purposes. Victims of Identity Theft often find the situation to have an emotional impact and the task of resolving and fully regaining their identity may be overwhelming.

 

Identity Theft  Prevention Classes
Identity Theft Prevention Program
Identity Theft Resolution Counseling
Test Your Identity Theft Knowledge

How to Protect Your Credit Report

15 Ways to Prevent Identity Theft

  1. Do not provide your Social Security (SS) number for use as identification. Just because yo are asked does not mean you have to give it. Leave the space blank and if required, ask to speak to a supervisor. Do not carry your SS Card with you. Store it in a safe place.
  2. Use Safe Checks - those that contain fraud protection to help prevent "washing".
  3. Examine your credit card statements for any unknown charges - must address any discrepancies right away. After 30-60 days the company may not be very helpful.
  4. Place a fraud alert or credit freeze depending on your credit needs. No longer limited to just IDT Victims.
  5. Use Safe Checks- those that contain fraud protection to help prevent "washing".
  6. Guard your mail from theft: use a locked mailbox and don't use the red flag for mail pick-up-drop it off at a secure receptacle.
  7. Opt out of receiving prescreened credit card offers by calling 1.888.567.8688 and ask to have your name and address excluded from their list for 5 years. If you have not opted out of telemarketing calls, call from the phone you are going to exclude and register on the do not call list at 1.888.382.1222 (may take up to 3 months).
  8. Invest in a shredder, and shred anything with your name or any personal information before discarding.  
  9. Know your billing cycles. Missing a bill or statement may mean someone has changed your address. Don't ignore any change of address form from the US Postal Service.
  10. Be suspicious of any unexpected calls or letters. Don't give personal information unless you initiated the call and know whom you are contacting.  
  11. Keep your credit card with you when eating out or shopping. You may also want to keep copies of the front and back of cards in a safe place at home in case a card is inadvertently not returned or lost. The contact and account information is then available to notify the company.
  12. Protect your computer by updating your virus protection, using a firewall and assume any e-mail that asks for your personal information is fraudulent.
  13. Put real passwords on your accounts - a combination of upper and lower case letters and numbers with no less than 6 characters.  
  14. Secure the home front - don't leave personal information out - store credit cards, billing statements, checkbooks, tax returns, etc. in a safe place and limit access.
  15. Practice safe shopping online - use only secure sites that encrypt your order and payment information nformation (the lock icon and https//).  

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