Avoid Becoming a Victim of Identity Theft
Minimize the INFORMATION a thief can steal - The following are some guidelines to help avoid becoming a victim of identity fraud. If you have already become a victim, see our Tips for Victims .
• Beware of Fake IRS E-Mails. the IRS does not initiate communication with taxpayers through e-mail.
• Don't carry a Social Security Card , extra credit cards or a passport unless the documents are needed.
• Memorize your Social Security Number , any personal identification numbers and passwords. If you write them down, do not record them on anything in your wallet or purse. When creating a password or PIN, do not use digits from your Social Security number, telephone number or date of birth.
• Sign new credit cards upon receipt. Save all credit card receipts and match them against your monthly bills. Never throw them away intact in a public trash container.
• Never loan out your credit card. Report lost or stolen credit cards immediately.
• Never give out personal identity information , especially Social Security or credit card numbers over the phone, unless you know the person or business and you initiated the phone call.
• Beware of phone or mail solicitations disguised as promotions offering prizes or bargains designed solely to obtain your Social Security or credit card numbers.
• Don't leave mail out for pickup and do have a locked mailbox. Promptly remove mail from your mailbox after delivery.
• Shred all mail, bills, receipts and financial documents with your name or identification numbers on them, especially pre-approved offers of credit. Thieves have been known to fish identities out of trash bins.
• Look over monthly credit card and bank statements carefully. Follow up if any charges or withdrawals appear suspicious.
• Order credit reports from the three major credit bureaus at least once a year and more often if you have been a victim. Check every line of information in your file for fraudulent activity and other discrepancies.
• Pay bills electronically when possible. Follow up with creditors if you do not receive a bill on time because it could mean an identity thief has taken over your account and has changed the billing address.
• Remove your name from the marketing lists of the three major credit reporting bureaus to limit the pre-approved offers of credit you receive.
• Keep the number of credit cards you use to a bare minimum. Cancel all unused credit card accounts.
