Protection, detection and resolution — the best defense against identity theft
How can someone steal your identity? Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your name, Social Security Number, credit card number or other identifying information without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes.
The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year.
Identity theft is a serious crime. People whose identities have been stolen can spend months or years — and their hard-earned money — cleaning up the mess thieves have made of their good name and credit record. In the meantime, victims may lose job opportunities, be refused loans, education, housing or cars, or even get arrested for crimes they didn't commit.
Do you know what you should and shouldn't do in order to protect yourself from identity theft?
| Dos |
Don'ts |
| Shred all documents containing personal financial information. |
Carry identification cards that include your Social Security number. |
| Review the Social Security Benefits statement you receive each year carefully. |
E-mail personal or financial information. |
| Monitor your financial accounts online. |
Divulge personal information over the phone. |
| Lock up your wallet or purse at work. |
Leave checks or bills to be mailed in unlocked mailboxes. |
| Leave credit and debit cards locked up at home unless you plan to use them. |
Print your driver's license number, phone number, or Social Security number on your checks. |
| Install a locked mailbox or use a post office box to receive your mail. |
Store passwords on your computer or write them down. |
| Make sure you have up-to-date anti-virus and anti-spyware programs running on your computer. |
Use easy-to-guess passwords that include your name, address, birth date, or consecutive guessable numbers. |
| Check your credit reports at least once a year. |
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