How to Prevent Identity Theft

• Check all three of your credit reports at least once per year and scrutinize the information listed.  Promptly dispute any inaccuracies, in writing, return receipt with the credit bureau and the company referencing the information.
  
  • http://www.equifax.com/ or 1-800-685-1111
  • http://www.experian.com/ or 1-888-397-3742
  • http://www.transunion.com/ or 1-800-888-4213
    
• Guard ALL of your personal information.
  
  • Guard your Social Security number.  Ask why it is needed and how it will be used before giving it.  Do not print your Social Security number on your checks.
    
  • Never give out personal information including account numbers over the phone, over the Internet, or through the mail unless you initiated the contact and know the company is trustworthy.
    
  • Perform a wallet or pursue inventory, removing anything you do not absolutely need for today.  Do not carry extra credit cards, blank checks, Social Security card or passport except when needed.  Shred old receipts before disposing of them.
    
  • Practice 'store or destroy' with personal information in your home and office such as bank statements, credit card statements, receipts, pre-approved offers, insurance forms etc.  If you need the information, safely store it, if you don't, promptly shred it.  Do not throw away personal information in the trash without shredding it first (crosscut shredders are preferred over regular shredders).
    
• Remove your name from marketing lists.  Start by opting-out with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by calling this one automated phone number:  1-888-567-8688. Register with the national Do Not Call Registry to limit telemarketing calls at 1-888-382-1222 or www.donotcall.gov.
  
• Be careful with your mail.  Take outgoing payments and personal information directly to the post office to be mailed.  Remove your mail promptly, pay attention to billing cycles, and immediately review statements for accuracy.
  
• Keep a list or photocopy (front and back) of your driver's license, credit and bank cards, along with account numbers, expiration dates, and customer service and fraud phone numbers, in the event these items are lost or stolen.