This information on Identity Theft Tips was shared with me by a trusted California friend who is an enrolled agent. Her source appears to the the San Jose PD. Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States. Everyday, hackers and mail thieves steal identification through driver’s licenses, credit cards, social security cards, utility bills, PINs, etc. By the time a victim becomes aware of the crime, several thousand dollars may have been charged to their name. Taking care of all that is entailed to straighten out the problem is often frustrating and could months. In an effort to protect your identity, we recommend you take several precautions. First, collect your mail daily, or, if you are away, have a trusted neighbor collect it. Purchase a mailbox that locks, mailboxes on the curb are particularly vulnerable. Never put outgoing mail, including bill payments or other sensitive documents, in your mailbox. Second, shred all documents that contain personal information. Any mail with your social security number, medical information, account statements, credit offers, or work related information should be shredded. Third, pay attention to your billing cycles. If bills or financial statements are late, contact the sender immediately. Fourth, don’t carry your social security card in your wallet or write it on your checks. Only give out your SSN when absolutely necessary. Fifth, install firewalls and virus-detection software on your home computer and never share your PIN or passwords with anyone. Finally, check your credit once a year through Equifax, TransUnion or Experian. If your identity is stolen and fraudulent accounts are opened in your name, there are several steps you will need to follow to repair the damage. 1. Place an initial fraud alert on your credit report through credit check companies such as those listed above. The alert is free, lasts 90 days and is renewable with proof of identity. 2. Order credit report. Again, this is free after you have filed the initial fraud alert. We also suggest you contact the businesses that have been hacked. 3. File an Identity Theft Complaint Affidavit with the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) and print a copy for your records. 4. Use the affidavit to file a police report. This report helps you deal with debt collectors and other businesses. You may also use this report to remove fraudulent information from your credit report. 5. Notify DMV and report the identity theft. 6. Notify your medical insurance carriers and your dental insurance carriers. This one could save your life in the future. ID Theft Affidavit + Police Report = ID THEFT REPORT For further information, contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit online or call 1-800-908-4490.
Posted on: Sat, 15 Mar 2014 20:12:17 +0000
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