Identity Theft

Winning the fight against identity theft.

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States. It occurs when someone illegally obtains your personal information—such as your Social Security number, bank account number or other identification—and uses it to open new accounts or initiate transactions in your name.

Print out and save this handy Identity Protection Checklist.

Where is your identity right now?

Bits, bytes and pieces of personal data—your name, Social Security number, credit card accounts and more—are on file with businesses and government, printed on letters passing through the mail, stored in your computer and traveling in your purse or wallet. Physically, you're in only one place at one time. But virtually, you're everywhere.

Don't be fearful. Be informed.

Identity theft is a crime and its effects are real. Victims can spend countless hours, days and months untangling legal and financial problems. Ultimately there are no guarantees it won't happen to you. But you can greatly decrease the odds by taking some proactive steps.

Give information a secure home

• Always keep personal information in a secure location.
• Don't keep Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) with your checkbook, ATM card or check card. Limit the number of credit cards you carry.
• Shred anything with confidential information printed on it before throwing it away.
• Do not give out personal information over the phone, Internet or by mail unless you initiated contact with the company.
• Keep track of when bills arrive each month and review them promptly for unexplained activity.

Shop safely

• When signing a credit or check card slip, avoid adding your address or telephone number.
• Dispose of receipts at home, as identity thieves are known to go through dumpsters at stores.
• Though most receipts only show the last four digits of your card number, some may still display the full number.

Check your credit report

• Regularly review your credit report for suspicious inquiries, unexplained accounts, incorrect balances and typos.
• Ask the credit reporting agencies for fraud alert protection and be able to confirm all requests to open accounts in your name.

Speak to companies and government agencies

• Request to have as little information as possible printed on cards issued by banks, credit card companies, motor vehicle departments, utilities and insurance and phone providers.
• Ask companies and organizations about their privacy policies.
• Be aware that by asking, you often have many avenues of information sharing blocked.

Use password power

• Choose passwords and PINs that are hard to guess by mixing numbers, letters and symbols.
• Avoid using your Social Security number, your mother's maiden name, birth dates, your kids' names or sports teams.

Be stingy with your Social Security number

• Don't carry your Social Security card or number.
• Avoid printing it on checks.
• Make sure it is not printed on your driver's license, unless your state requires it.
• Remember the only places you must use your Social Security number are government applications and financial forms, such as tax forms and credit applications.

Ask for your employer's help

• Identity thieves are increasingly hitting groups of people and workplaces, so ask your employer to guard your files closely.
• Know who is cleared to have access to your records.

Source: Gartner, Inc. 2003