Identity Theft

Prevention Tips:

• Don't carry your social security card with you
• Do not carry PIN or passwords with you
• Carry only the cards you need: Driver Lic. or ID, ATM-Debit, ONE credit card, other non-financial cards
• Use the post office when sending outgoing mail. Do not leave bills / checks unattended
• Get a locking mailbox for your home (the type mail carriers have a key for) or a house mail slot
• Do not print your driver's license number or social security number on your checks
• Be careful with all receipts. Take them with you for shredding. Don't throw them in the trash.
• Shred anything with your name, address, date of birth, SSN and all credit solicitations.
• Carefully review all monthly statements including; Bank, credit, telephone, cell phone etc.
• If credit or bank statements are late, call bank or creditors. Mail stolen? Change of address?
  If you don't receive your mail for more than a couple days, check with the local post office to see if a change of address was filed.
• Request your credit report quarterly – or at least once a year. (Can subscribe to Credit Bureau.)
• Do not release personal information over the phone, e-mail or on unknown web sites.
• Order your social security benefits and earnings statement yearly. Any fraudulent use of SSN?
• Remove your name from Direct Marketing Association mailing and telephone lists.
• Consider not listing your phone number.
• Consider not using a professional title (Dr., Ph.D., and Atty. etc.) in the phone book.
• Never have new blank checks mailed to you. Pick them up from the bank.
  

What to do if it happens to you:

1. Keep a log & chronology of all contacts. Start a fraud file Get names, dates, times, account #s.
2. Do not dispose of any mail or bills showing fraudulent accounts or acct. numbers.
3. Report the crime to the local police where you live or having jurisdiction over the location of the crime. Provide police with as much documentation as possible showing the fraud.
4. Call the fraud unit at one of the three credit bureaus. They will contact the other two bureaus.
       Equifax - 888.397.3742
       Experian - 800.525.6285
       Trans Union - 800.680.7289
5. Get a copy of your credit reports. Request an alert be placed on your record and ask about the expiration of the alert. Request a fraud victim statement be placed on your account.
6. Contact all creditors / stores, by phone and in writing, where fraudulent use has occurred.
7. Carefully review your incoming bank and credit statements for fraudulent use.
8. Look for fraudulent use or fraudulent accounts that you did not open.
9. If checking or bank account numbers were stolen: Close accounts. Get new account # & checks.
10. Notify your utilities companies of fraud (i.e.; P,G&E) Ask if any new utilities accounts have been opened in your name at any other address. (If so, close account. Make note of the address!)
11. In the event your drivers license or identification were stolen, go to DMV and request a new driver license number. (Restrictions apply) www.dmv.ca.gov/consumer/fraud.htm
12. If your social security number is being used, call the social security administration. Ask about getting a new SSN issued. (Only for major ID theft cases)
13. If you suspect your mail is being stolen, call the post office and inquire if a change of address has been filed. Contact U.S. Postal Inspectors
14. Be prepared to back up everything in writing and by notarizing documents.