Fraud & Identity Theft Prevention

Fraud & ID Theft Prevention

Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in America. 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.

Identity theft is a serious crime. Many people don't know they've been victimized until their credit report is so damaged that they're rejected for a credit card, car loan or home mortgage. ID theft victims can spend months or years cleaning up the mess thieves have made of their good name and credit record. In the meantime, they may lose job opportunities, be refused loans, education, housing or cars, or even get arrested for crimes they didn't commit.

Although there is no foolproof way to protect yourself from identity theft, you may reduce the risk by using the following tips:

• Check credit and bank statements: Ensure that there are no unauthorized purchases or changes in your personal information.
  
  
• Record credit card information: Keep a record of your credit card issuers' customer service department telephone numbers. If you realize your cards have been lost or stolen, immediately call customer service. Many companies have toll-free numbers and 24-hour service to deal with such emergencies.
  
  
• Save, then destroy, receipts: Compare receipts with billing statements to confirm amounts charged and evaluate whether the purchases listed are yours. Destroy receipts and statements before throwing them away.
  
  
• Keep cards secure: Don't lend credit cards to anyone or leave cards or receipts lying around (including in your car's glove box), and never write account numbers on a postcard or the outside of an envelope.
  
  
• Use caution with telephone or Internet purchases: Don't give out your credit card information over the phone or online unless you initiate the transaction and you're comfortable that the company you're dealing with is reputable. If you have any questions about a company, check it out with a local consumer protection office or the Better Business Bureau.