Don't be a victim of identity theft. Safeguard all your
account numbers. Identity theft happens when someone pretends to be you and uses
your personal financial information when applying for loans, credit cards, or
leases. The thief takes advantage of your good credit record, leaving behind bad
credit in your name. Losses to consumers and institutions due to identity theft
totaled $745 million in 1997, according to the U.S. Secret Service.
What
You Should Know
The identity thief gets your personal information by:
stealing your purse or wallet
pilfering information from your mail box such as bank
statements and pre-approved credit card applications
posing as your employer, loan officer or landlord to
get your credit report
watching your transactions at automated teller
machines and phone booths to capture your personal identification number (PIN)
going through trash for credit card receipts or loan
applications
Protect yourself by guarding information
about you.
Properly dispose of papers with personal information.
Tear up charge receipts, bank statements, expired credit cards, credit offers.
Give out your Social Security number only when
required. Don't have it printed on your checks.
Reduce the number of cards you carry. Don't carry
your Social Security number, birth certificate or passport with you.
Get a copy of your credit report at least once a year
to check for errors.
Be aware of others nearby when entering your PIN.
Don't give your credit card or bank account number
over the phone unless you have placed the call and know the business.