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Crime Prevention Tips

Protecting Yourself From Identity Theft

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your name or personal information (i.e. social security number, driver's license number, or credit card number) without your permission. Thieves use this information to open lines of credit, obtain mortgages or cellular phone service, and make major purchases. Identity theft can result in damage to your credit rating, judgments against you and denials of credit, or even job offers.

How does identity theft happen?
Identity theft commonly begins with the loss of a wallet or purse, but recent trends show that mail theft and dumpster diving are becoming a more common way to steal personal information. Dumpster divers rummage through your discarded trash, steal personal information that you discard, and traditionally "trade" your personal information for other things.

Protecting your identity
While there is no guarantee that you won't become a victim of identity theft, there are steps that you can take to minimize the opportunity:

• Never give out your social security number to people or companies that you don't know.
• Before you disclose personal information, make sure you know why its needed and what it will be used for.
• Shred, shred, shred. Anything that contains your personal information should be shredded when you no longer need it. Specifically, credit card statements, banking statements, and pre-approved credit offers.
• Guard both your incoming and outgoing mail. Remember to pick up your mail every day, specifically around the time that your carrier brings it. Outgoing mail is best placed in a post office collection box rather than your personal box. If you have a freestanding mail box, do not raise the red flag indicating that you have outgoing mail. Thieves look for these boxes. A better option is to get a post office box at a reputable establishment.
• All personal information in your home should be kept in a safe and secure place. If you have a safe, use it.
• Only carry the necessary credit cards and identification with you when you shop. Do not carry your social security card with you unless you will need it. It is best left at home or in another safe place.
• Obtain a copy of your credit report from each of the three bureaus at least once per year. Review it carefully to be sure that no one is using your name to open accounts.

If you become a victim
Contact the fraud department of all three credit bureaus. Request that a "fraud alert" be placed on your file and include a statement that all creditors must get your permission before new accounts can be opened.

The three bureaus are:

Experian	Order a report	800-685-1111
	Fraud	800-525-6285
	Online access	www.equifax.com
Experian	Order a report	888-397-3742
	Fraud	888-397-3742
	Online access	www.experian.com
Trans Union	Order a report	800-888-4213
	Fraud	800-680-7289
	Online access	www.tuc.com

Contact all of the creditors involved. Notify them that your account has been used without your permission or that a new account has been opened in your name. Check the billing statements carefully and report any fraudulent activity. Many banks and creditors will accept the "ID Theft Affidavit" available at www.consumer.gov/idtheft to dispute the charges.

File a police report. Be sure to obtain an additional copy, as many of the creditors will require proof of a crime. Contact the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC provides information to identity theft victims and maintains a database of cases used by law enforcement agencies. You can also request a copy of the publication, ID Theft,When Bad Things Happen To Your Good Name.

Keep a record of your contacts. Start a file with copies of your credit reports, the police report, any correspondence, and copies of disputed bills. It is also helpful to document conversations with the creditors, law enforcement, and other relevant parties. Follow-up phone calls in writing and send all correspondence certified, return receipt requested.