Identity theft
Identity thieves steal your personal information (name, social security numbers, driver's license, etc.)
and use it for personal gain. It can happen when hackers break into your computer, but also
when you provide personal information through any other communication.
What you can do
- In public: Don't give any personal data verbally (driver's
license, SSN, e-mail address, etc.). Don't let your credit card be taken
out of sight. Question WHY a business needs more personal data.
- PC: Limit access to your computer. Install good firewall
hardware or software. Ensure secure authentication is turned on. Use good
passwords for each user.
- Phone: Verify who is calling before providing personal data.
Question WHY more personal data is needed.
If you didn't expect the call, call them back at the public number.
Don't provide data on household members (age, gender, birthdays,
schedules, etc.).
- E-mail: Be cautious about clicking on links. Telephone a
company directly to verify it sent an
e-mail message. See phishing and scams and
e-mail risks.
- Web: Verify the website is a reliable business. Before
providing personal data, ensure the site has a secure icon and/or "
https" in the web address.
- Read
14 tips to avoid identity theft by Frank W. Abagnale
Resources
Free credit reports
Nationwide consumer credit-reporting companies
Use this contact information if you need to place a fraud alert on your credit reports.
- Equifax: 1-800-525-6285, www.equifax.com
P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
- Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742), www.experian.com
P.O. Box 2002, Allen, TX 75013
- TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289, www.transunion.com
Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834-6790