Identity fraud/theft is one of the fastest-growing financial crimes in the United States. The only way to prevent identity fraud/theft is to protect yourself and your identity.
To PREVENT identity fraud/theft:
- Do not have driver’s license or social security number printed on personal checks.
- Do not carry your Social Security card or Birth Certificate on you.
- Try not to carry more than one credit card on you.
- Do not carry credit card receipts.
- Do not carry any pin numbers or passwords to accounts or write them on cards.
- Shred all credit card offers mailed to you.
- Never give out any credit card or bank information to anyone calling you.
- Do not leave outgoing mail in your mailbox; drop it off at the Post Office.
- Always review your monthly statements for any unexplained charges.
- Shred all documents with account information before disposing of them.
- Only order from secure, reputable internet sites.
- Make photocopies of the contents in your wallet. Keep a copy in a safe place.
If your Identity has been stolen
- Call your local police department and file a report. Obtain a copy of the report for your records and in case your bank or credit card company needs a copy.
- Notify the 3 major credit bureaus. Equifax 1-800-685-1111, Experian 1-888-3973742, Trans Union 1-800-916-8800.
- Change all account numbers for credit cards, banks, and utilities. Set up passwords for your new accounts.