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PREVENTING IDENTITY THEFT
Presented by the Plaquemines Parish

A growing problem in our area and across the country, identity theft is the taking of a victim’s identity to obtain credit, credit cards, steal money from the victim’s existing accounts, apply for loans, rent an apartment, file bankruptcy, obtain a job or commit a crime using the victim’s name.
To protect yourself against identity theft, safeguard information that should always be kept confidential – your social security number, bank account number, credit card number, PIN and passwords. To minimize your risk, follow these steps:

 

Mail

  • Don’t leave outgoing mail in an unsecured location. Deposit mail in USPS collection boxes.
  • Don’t leave mail in your mailbox overnight or on weekends.
  • Have your mail held at the post office while you’re out of town.
  • Always shred items that contain personal information before discarding them (bank statements, credit card statements, ATM receipts, pay stubs, bills, tax forms, etc.)

Computer

  • Use anti-spyware and anti-virus software.
  • Be wary of online shopping sites. Use only reputable sites that you trust and know are secure.
  • Do not give personal information over the Internet unless it’s through a secure site that you trust.
  • Encrypt your wireless Internet connection.
  • Erase your hard drive if you ever sell or give away your computer.
  • If your bank or any other financial entity solicits you via email asking for sensitive information, call to confirm that the request is legitimate and not a “phishing” scam.

Protecting Your Personal Information

  • Immediately report lost or stolen credit cards and debit cards to the issuing bank/financial institution.
  • Don’t keep your social security card in your wallet.
  • Never provide personal information to anyone who contacts you through a phone solicitation.
  • Check your bills and bank statements as soon as they arrive.
  • Call 1-888-5OPT-OUT to remove your name from pre-approved credit or insurance mailing lists.
  • Check your credit report at www.AnnualCreditReport.com. You are entitled to receive one free credit report from the big three credit bureaus every 12 months.
  • Request that your social security number not be printed on your driver’s license.

Reporting Identity Theft

While these tips are designed to prevent identity theft, even the most careful person is at risk. As soon as you are made aware of the fraud (usually you will be denied credit or you will see charges that are not yours on bills) contact your banks and credit card issuers, the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, TransUnion and Experian), file a police report, and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (1-877-ID-THEFT).

 

Partial source: www.yourcreditadvisor.com
The Ultimate Guide to Identity Theft Prevention