Identity Theft Prevention
Identity Theft Prevention Checklist
Fraud Hotline: 303-271-6980
Carry any document with sensitive information in a close fitting pouch or in your front pocket, not in your purse or wallet. Sensitive documents include driver's license, credit & debit cards, checks, car registration and anything with your Soc. Security Number.
Don't carry your checkbook in public; carry only the checks you need.
If possible remove anything from your wallet containing your SSN, including your Social Security card, Medicare card, military ID card. If your SSN is on your Driver's License get a new license.
Don't give any part of your Social Security, credit card or bank account numbers over the phone, e-mail or Internet, unless you have initiated the contact to a verifiable company or financial institution.
Request a free copy of your credit report once a year.
Notify the credit reporting agencies of the death of a relative or friend to block the misuse of the deceased person's credit.
Call your bank and credit card customer service and ask to "opt out" of ALL marketing programs, including convenience' checks mailings.
Call the Credit Card Offer Opt Out Line to reduce the number of credit card solicitations you receive.
Shred pre-approved credit card offers, convenience checks and any document containing sensitive information - with a crosscut shredder.
Mail bills to be paid at the Post Office, not in your mailbox or in street corner postal boxes. Consider using automated payment plans.
Ask your bank or credit union to receive your box of new checks, rather than have them mailed to your home.
Do not keep your auto registration, insurance card, checkbook, receipts, or other identifying information in your car. Carry them in a secure manner on your person. Do not leave your car unlocked.
Check your earnings record at least annually and more often if you suspect your SSN has been compromised (it's free and there is no limit to how often you may request it.) Contact the Social Security Administration and ask for Form SSA-7004, Request for Earnings and Benefit Estimate Statement.
Computer Precautions
Never respond to e-mails requesting personal information such as bank or charge account numbers; Social Security numbers; pin numbers/passwords. This rule applies even if the sender appears to be your bank or credit card company; a government agency such as the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Social Security Administration, or IRS; or companies such as AOL, eBay, PayPal, etc. No legitimate company/agency will send an e-mail asking you to verify information.
Delete unknown or questionable e-mails without opening.
Use a firewall program, especially if you use a high-speed connection like cable, DSL or T-1, which connects your computer 24 hours a day. The firewall program allows you to stop uninvited guests from accessing your computer. Without it, hackers can take over your computer, access personal information stored on it, or use your computer to commit crimes.
Use a secure browser - software that encrypts or scrambles information you send over the Internet - to guard the security of online transactions. Be sure your browser has up-to-date encryption capabilities by using the latest version available from the manufacturer. When submitting information, look for the "lock" icon on the browser's status bar to ensure your information is secure during transmission.
For more information on Identity Theft click here.
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Last Modified: Mar 28, 2009 10:19 PM
