Protecting Your Identity
Identity theft occurs when your personal information is stolen and used without your knowledge to commit fraud or other crimes. Identity theft can cost you time and money. It can destroy your credit and ruin your good name.
Here is how to stop it before identity theft happens:
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Shred financial documents with personal information before you throw away.
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Protect your Social Security Number. Do not carry your card with you or write it on your checks.
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Never give out personal information over the phone, through the mail, or the internet; unless you know the person you are dealing with.
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Do not click links sent in unsolicited emails. Use firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-virus software protection on your home computer; keep up to date.
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Do not use obvious passwords like your birth date or mother’s maiden name.
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Keep all personal information in a safe and secure place at home.
Alert signs:
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Bills are not arriving as expected
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Unexpected credit card or account statements
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Calls or letters about purchases you did not make
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Denials of credit for no apparent reason
If you are a victim:
