Feature Articles
Protecting Yourself Against Identity Theft
Suzanne McGarvey, M.S., Consumer and
Family Economics,
University of Missouri Extension
Identity theft has become more and more common. With
increased use of the Internet and various scams seeking
personal information from you, it is important for you
to protect your identity. Serious consequences may
result if an unscrupulous person steals your identity.
They can cause damage to your credit and reputation that
could take years to erase.
What is identity theft?
Identity theft occurs when someone uses a personal piece
of information, such as your name, your Social Security
number, a credit card number, etc., as their own to
commit fraud against you.
What can I do to protect myself?
There are several steps you can take to protect yourself
against identity theft:
- Know the person you're dealing with. Check with the
Better Business Bureau or local consumer groups before
purchasing something from an unknown seller.
- Protect your privacy. Don't give out personal
information to just anyone. Don't be afraid to question
someone who is asking for personal information. Find out
who they are and exactly why they need to information
before giving it out. If you feel unsure, refuse to give
the information.
- Don't cave in to high pressure sales tactics. Take your
time to do research and investigate a company before
making any purchases.
- Get a complete description of items being purchased.
Inquire about shipping and handling fees and return
policies.
- Pay with a credit card if possible. Most cards offer
some protection for purchased items.
- Don't carry every piece of identifying information you
own. You probably don't need to carry your Social
Security card, extra credit cards, your passport and
birth certificate. Only carry the minimum necessary at
any one time.
- Remove your name from mailing lists by calling
1-888-567-8688 for the National Opt-Out Center for
direct mailing and telemarketing. You can also register
for the "No Call" list on the Missouri Attorney
General's office at www.ago.state.mo.us. You can contact
companies directly and ask to be taken off their mailing
lists.
- If buying online, check to see that the website is
secure before sending your personal information. (You
can normally tell if it is secure by seeing a padlock in
the lower corner of your screen.)
Be on the lookout for scams that people often try. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
- Check your
credit report periodically to be sure that
all the information is correct. Investigate any
suspicious information immediately. Once a customer
proves he is an identity theft victim, credit reporting
agencies have to stop reporting fraudulent account
information. Consumers can also report accounts that
have been affected by fraud directly to creditors.
- Report lost or stolen checks right away.
- If you receive a suspicious phone call or e-mail asking
for your bank account information, notify your bank.
- Don’t share your PIN (personal identification number)
for your ATM card with others.
- Shred personal information, bank statements, and
financial solicitations before throwing them away.
- If you are not receiving bills for items you normally
would, contact the company to find out why.
- Investigate irregular or questionable items on any bill.
What do I do if I've been the victim of identity fraud?
If you have been the victim of identity fraud, do the
following:
- Contact the three main
credit reporting bureaus and ask
that a fraud alert be placed on your account. This will
stop a lender from issuing credit to anyone with your
information until you give approval.
- Close accounts that you feel might be affected. Many
companies have fraud representatives with whom you can
speak, or ask to speak to a manager. Put passwords on
your account (not your mother's maiden name). Choose a
combination of numbers and letters that would be
difficult to guess.
- File a report with the local police department and keep
a copy of the report for your records.
- File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission
(www.ftc.gov).
- Call the ID Theft Clearinghouse at 1-877-438-4338 (or on-line at www.consumer.gov/idtheft) and ask about the ID Theft affidavit or visit the Missouri Attorney General's office website.
References:
American Bankers Association (2004). Tools to Prevent
Identity Theft.
Armchair Armor: Shop Safely From Home (2000). Lifesmarts-The
Ultimate Consumer Challenge, 4 (Winter/Spring), National
Coalition for Consumer Education.
Chatzky, Jean Sherman (1999). Battling Identity Theft.
Money Talk.
ID Theft: When Bad Things Happen to Your Good Name (2001, March). Retrieved October 3, 2001.
Last update: Friday, April 04, 2008
 |
Site Administrator: |
|
|
|
