Six Steps to Avoid Identify Theft
- Do not give out personal information, such as account or credit card numbers, on the phone or over the Internet unless you have initiated the contact. Identity thieves could pose as bank officials, Internet providers or credit card company representatives. Remember: If someone has a right to this information (such as your bank), they should already have it … and shouldn't need to request it over the phone.
- Report lost or stolen checks immediately, and properly store canceled checks. Examine new checks to be sure none were stolen during shipment, and store them in a safe and secure location.
- Destroy unused financial solicitations before discarding them, and tear up other financial documents such as statements or receipts before discarding them.
- Guard your Automated Teller Machine (ATM) number, and treat your receipts with care. Leaving them behind or throwing them in the trash could leave them vulnerable to thieves, who could use them to access your accounts.
- Make sure your mailbox is secure, and promptly remove mail when it has been delivered. Identity thieves often raid mailboxes to obtain credit card offers and financial statements.
- Contact the major credit reporting companies at least annually to review your file. A copy of your credit report is available for a small fee. The four major credit bureaus are:
| Equifax: 866-349-5183 |
| TransUnion: 800-916-8800 |
| CSC Credit Services: 866-349-5183 |
| Experian: 800-682-7654 |
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