Identity Theft Protection

Easy Steps To Prevent Identity Theft
Reducing Access To Personal Information
Credit Card Fraud
Passwords and PINs
Checking Accounts
Social Security Numbers
ATM Security

Believe it or not, your purse and/or wallet, mailbox, discarded trash, and consumer credit report contains a wealth of information about you. As a matter of fact, way to much information.

Unfortunately, in the hands of a corrupt individual, this information could be used against you to commit various methods of fraud. Fortunately there are a number of things you can do to help reduce your risk of being a victim.

Easy Ways To Prevent Identity Theft

• Don't provide your personal information unless your certain it is necessary.
• Don't provide information over the telephone unless you initiated the call and you know whom you are speaking to.
• Don't feel obligated to fill in every blank on application forms. Find out what information is necessary.
• Look for the "lock and key" symbol when using the internet.
• Contact the Better Business Bureau to confirm whether or not an organization is legitimate before you do business with them.
• Remove your name from the mailing lists by using Opt Out.
• Check your credit report once a year from a major credit bureau.

Reducing Access To Personal Information

• Always mail bill payments from the Post Office never from your home mailbox.
• Never write your credit card account number or social security number on your checks when making a payment.
• Purchase and use a quality personal shredder for all financial receipts instead of tearing them up.
• Never leave your purse of wallet unattended in a public place. While at home never leave your purse of wallet in plain view of company or in an unlocked house while you are in the yard.
• While shopping keep your ATM and credit cards separate from your wallet or purse.
• Never write your account number on the outside of a return envelope.
• Never use a post card to order anything through the mail, always use a envelope
• If at all possible never give out personal information over a cellular telephone or cordless telephone.
• Restrict the amount of information you provide on a warranty card. Never provide financial information not pertaining to the product.
• Never carry any personal information in your briefcase while traveling.
• Never fill out any free prize raffles. The information on these cards can be distributed to other companies.

Credit Card Fraud

• Reduce the number of credit cards you use.
• Carry only one or two of them in your wallet at one time.
• Cancel any unused accounts.
• Keep a list or photocopy of all you credit cards, account numbers and phone numbers of the customer service departments in case they become stolen.
• Never give out your credit card information over the phone unless you trust the company and you initiated the call.
• Always take the receipts with you, never toss them in a public trash can.
• Request in writing that the credit card companies remove your name form their marketing lists.
• When using a pay at the pump gas station always remember to remove your receipt from the pump.
• If you purchase something from an old carbon style charge slip make sure you ask for the carbons. Never let the sales clerk retain the carbons.
• Have the sales clerk hand you your receipt rather than put it in the bag. This keeps your personal information with you if something happens to the bag.
• Never let a sales clerk walk away from you with your credit card. Always keep it in your sight.
• Never sign a blank transaction slip. Always draw a line through any blank spaces on the slip. This will help prevent any additional charges being placed on the bill.
• Never loan your credit card to anyone.

Passwords and PINs

• Do not use common words or numbers for any password. (Including last names. dates or birth, pets name, consecutive numbers)
• Shield your hands when using an ATM, protect yourself from shoulder surfers.
• Never use the same PIN or password on all you cards.
• Never write your PIN or password on the card or keep it with you on a piece of paper.
• Consider changing you PIN or password semi-annually.

Checking Accounts

• When opening a new personal checking account or placing an order for checks never place your Social Security Numbe, middle name, driver's license number, or telephone number on any of the checks.
• When ordering new checks have them delivered to the financial institution instead of your home.

Social Security Numbers

• Release your social security number only when absolutely necessary or when required by law.
• Do not print your social security number on your checks.
• Offer you driver's license number to a merchant instead of your social security number to a merchant when writing a check.

ATM Security

• Always block the view of the keypad while entering your PIN or Password
• If you use an ATM at night select on in a well light area.
• Never use and ATM where someone is " Hanging Around"
• Always remember to remove and put away your card after the transaction.
• Always remove and take with you the receipt from the machine. Never throw it away in a trash container near the ATM.
• Never write your PIN on the ATM card.
• Never disclose your PIN to anyone.
• Never keep your ATM card with your checkbook.