The Problem of Identity Theft

Some 500,000 to 700,000 Americans a year are at risk of having their identities stolen, according to government and private sector estimates. Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information and uses it to establish credit, borrow money, charge items or even commit crimes in your name.

While the incidence of Internet identity theft is growing, fraud experts agree that you still are more likely to become a victim of this federal crime by more traditional means, such as improperly discarding credit card or other financial data. Here are some tips on how to avoid becoming an ID theft victim and what to do should you be stung by one of these thieves.

Protect Your Identity

• Never respond to unsolicited requests for your social security number (SSN) or financial data.
• Before discarding, shred credit card, ATM receipts and any pre-approved credit card offers you have received, but don't plan to use.
• Check all credit card and bank statements for accuracy.
• Avoid easy to figure out access and personal ID (PIN) codes.
• Obtain a copy of your credit report yearly and check it for accuracy.
• Use only secure sites when making online purchases. Secure pages begin with "https."
• Pay for online purchases by credit card to assure you get what you paid for and to limit your liability.
• Safeguard your SSN, and check Earnings and Benefit statements annualy for fraudulent use.

If You Become A Victim

If you find you have become a victim of identity theft, immediately take the following actions:

• File a police report.
• Contact your banker.
• Notify all of those with whom you have a financial relationship.
• Tag accounts closed due to fraud, "Closed at consumers request."
• Notify credit bureau fraud units.
• Establish a password for telephone inquiries on credit card accounts.
• Place a fraud alert statement on your credit report.
• Request bi-monthly copies of your credit report until your case is resolved (Free to fraud victims).
• Report check theft to check verification companies.
• Check post office for unauthorized change of address requests.
• Follow-up contacts with letters and keep copies of correspondence.

Remain Alert

Suspect ID theft if you're denied credit for no apparent reason or if routine financial statements stop arriving in a timely manner.

Where To Get Help

• Equifax (www.equifax.com):
  Report Fraud . . . . . . . .800-525-6285
  Order Credit Report. . .800-685-1111
• Experian (www.experian.com):
  Report Fraud . . . . . . . .888-397-3742
  Order Credit Report. . .888-397-3742
• Trans Union (www.tuc.com):
  Report Fraud . . . . . . . .800-680-7289
  Order Credit Report. . .800-888-4213

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT IDENTITY THEFT AND HOW TO AVOID IT CAN BE FOUND AT:

Federal Trade Commission:
www.consumer.gov/idtheft
Americans for Consumer Education and Competition:
www.acecusa.org/tips/
The Privacy Council:
www.privacycouncil.com/links_optout.htm