Save and Conquer

This is the third of a three part series on ways to combat identity theft. Part 1 and Part 2 contained descriptions and examples of various types of identity theft. This third part continues various methods of protection.

Credit Protection

General Prevention Tips

• Check your credit reports at least once a year
• Follow up if bills don’t arrive on time
• Purchase a shredder
• Do not print your SSN on checks
• Do not carry your SSN in your wallet/purse
• Keep items that contain your personal information in a safe place

Other Prevention Tips

• Carry only the credit/debit cards you need when shopping
• Remove your name from the marketing lists of the three credit reporting bureaus
• Sign up for the Do-Not-Call registry
• Opt out of sharing your financial information when given the opportunity
• Pick up new checks at the bank
• Never toss credit card receipts in a public trash container
• When creating passwords and PINs, use a combination of letters and numbers – memorize them!
• Shield your hand when using an ATM card

Prevention for Computer Users

• Password-protect your computer and encrypt files that contain sensitive personal data
• Keep browser, firewall, virus and spyware protection up to date
  • Run anti-virus and anti-spyware software weekly
• When shopping on-line, be sure you are dealing with a reputable company
• When disposing of you computer, physically destroy the hard drive

Protection When Traveling

• Have post office stop mail delivery
• Carry only the checks and credit cards you will need
• Make a list of items in your wallet/purse and store in a safe place where you are staying (do not include account numbers). Include phone numbers of the companies
• Lock up documents in your hotel
• Do not keep your PIN with your ATM card

Handling Information Responsibly

• Shred all documents with sensitive info
• Carefully review your monthly statements
• Find out how your bank safeguards your data and insist that paper and magnetic files be destroyed. Do the same for companies that issue loan or credit applications
• Store cancelled checks and other personal information in a safe place

What To Do If You Are an Identity-Theft Victim

• Contact the fraud departments of one of the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit file
• Close the accounts that have been affected
• File a police report
  • Send copies to your creditors and others that may require proof of the crime
• File complaint with the FTC and Post Office

Identity Theft Contacts

• Contact the Identity Theft Resource Center
  • http://www.idtheftcenter.org
• Contact the Federal Trade Commission
  • 800-IDTHEFT
  • http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft
• Contact fraud units of the credit bureaus
  • Equifax: 800-525-6285
  • Experian: 888-397-3742
  • Trans Union: 800-680-7289
• For fraudulent use of checks
  • Checkwrite: 800-766-2748
  • Chexsystems: 800-428-9623
  • Equifax Telecredit: 800-437-5120
  • National Processing Co.: 800-526-5380
• For stolen passports, contact Department of State
  • 877-487-2778
  • http://travel.state.gov/passport/lost/us/us_848.html

Identity Theft Procedures

• Use a notebook as telephone log and keep notes on each contact
• File a police report in each jurisdiction where theft occurred
• Close all affected accounts. Phone each company’s fraud division. Request copy of relevant fraud-dispute form. Complete and return immediately.
• Request a new driver’s license from the DMV and have a fraud report attached to your driving record
• Send a certified, return receipt requested letter to each person contacted summarizing each conversation
• Notify check-verification firms about any fraudulent checks
• Order credit reports from http://www.annualcreditreport.com or 877-322-8228. In writing, get annual credit request form from http://ftc.gov/credit. Fill out and mail to Annual Credit Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281
• Have fraud alerts placed on all accounts and make sure new ones are not opened unless you are notified
• Refuse to pay fraudulent charges. Documenting the above helps.
• Contact the Identity Theft Resource Center at 858-693-7935 or at http://www.idtheftcenter.org for more tips

Do-Not-Call Registry

• Register at https://www.donotcall.gov or call 888-382-1222 from the number you want to register
• Will not stop political, charitable, newspaper, and survey calls
• Call 888-CALLFCC to file a complaint with the FTC

Opt Out

• FTC’s Do Not Call Registry
• Stop Credit Card Offers
  • 888-5-OPT-OUT
• National mailing lists
  • http://www.the-dma.org
• For problems with a mail order company, write to
  • Mail Order Action Line
    1111 19th Street, N.W., Suite 1100
    Washington, DC 20036

Related posts on Save and Conquer

• Identity Theft – Reducing the Risk – Part 1
• Identity Theft – Reducing the Risk – Part 2

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