Identity Theft How Safe Are You?

Hispanic Times Magazine, August, 2000

One virus after another!

Your personal computer once was a joy to own. Your business computer stored valuable info to make life easier. But that was then; and this is now. Threats of the dreaded computer virus have become all too real--destroying stored files, and even shutting down machines.

Software manufacturers are hitting the market with fail-safe weapons to guard against such random acts of computer violence. They could save you time and money, by saving your valuable store of computer stored information.

Now, let's consider identity theft. How safe are you? First, take your social security number off your personal checks. Your S.S. number should be your most protected information.

Are You Vulnerable

Sounds unbelievable, but it could happen to you. Think about your daily activities. You go to the grocery store and write a check. What type of information is on your check: name, address, telephone number, driver's licence number, and perhaps social security number?

Well, if a thief has access to your name and social security number, that information can be used to open fraudulent accounts. Innocent people have discovered utility, department store and other credit accounts opened in their names, and it is usually accomplished using a stolen social security number.

Follow this rule: do not give out your social security number unless it is absolutely necessary. Many forms have an area for the S.S. number, but you should question why the number is needed.

A S.S. number is needed for loan/credit applications and certain other financial transactions. The video store and car rental agency certainly don't need it. It may be asked for indiscriminately. If you suspect this to be the case, ask to speak to the store manager to verify the need for this information.

Mailbox Theft

It is becoming increasingly necessary to guard all your personal information. Do you receive pre-approved credit applications in the mail? What do you do with them? Throw them in the trash? Think again! This mailer contains your name, address, and perhaps other personal information. O.K., so it was not stolen from your mailbox--then if you carelessly toss it in the trash, a dumpster driver can use this information to steal your identity or pass it on to sell to someone else.

Mailboxes themselves are perhaps the easiest target for many thieves. They wander through neighborhoods, looking for unlocked mailboxes that are usually adjacent to the curb or affixed to a house. Did you ever stop to think that a "red flag" indicating outgoing mail is an invitation to a thief? What's in your outgoing mail? A Visa payment? Well--now the thief not only has your name and address, but he also conveniently has your credit card number. With this info, he can then fraudulently charge items to your account without your knowledge.

Safeguards

Since personal information is so easy to obtain, consider following these suggested safety tips--they will help prevent you from becoming a victim of identity theft:

* Shred or tear up pre-approved credit card applications and other mail with your social security number, bank account and credit card account numbers before throwing them into the trash.

* Never throw mail with personal information into trash bins at post offices or other public buildings.

* Do not leave info with personal and financial information in your vehicle.

* Review bank and credit card statements each month for fraudulent activity. If anything is amiss, immediately report the problem to your bank or credit card company.

* If your bills do not arrive in a timely manner, contact your creditors. Your bills may have been lost in the mail or stolen.

* Before giving out any personal information to a company, ask how the information will be used and whether it will be transferred to third parties (mailing lists).

* Periodically order your credit report from the three major credit reporting agencies and check for accuracy.

* Do not leave receipts at the ATM machine and gas pump.

* Limit the amount of credit cards and personal information that you carry in your wallet. If you have old credit accounts that you don't use, cancel the accounts and cut up the cards.

* Do not carry your social security card in your wallet. Memorize the number.

* Do not write credit account numbers on checks or the outside of envelopes when paying bills.

* Be cautious about divulging personal information, such as place of employment, employee identification number or mother's maiden name. These are key components in identity theft.

* Buy a shredder and use it.

Once Victimized

If you become a victim of identity theft, take a stand! Contact law enforcement and complete a crime report. Report the theft of your credit card numbers to the fraud units of the three major credit reporting agencies and ask that your accounts be flagged.

In making such reports, add a victim's written statement (up to 100 words). Posting this fraud alert is not a guarantee that your credit will be safe. It is a precaution.

If your social security number has been used in an identity theft, it is imperative that you notify the Social Security Administration Rotline (800-269-0271) as soon as possible.