Outsmart Scammers: Identity Protection Toolkit

Millions of Americans each year become victims of identity theft. It’s becoming the fastest growing crime in the United States, costing consumers nearly $5 billion a year. Most victims don’t even realize their identity has been compromised until months after the crime has occurred, more than enough time for a lot of damage to be done. Once an identity is stolen, there is little the victim can do: taking control of your personal information is the best way to prevent the crime from ever taking place. Don’t become a victim; take action and protect your personal information.

Here are a few simple steps you can take to get started:

• Never carry your Social Security card — leave it in a safe place at home.
• Never make credit card purchases online on an unsecured server that doesn’t use the https:// protocol.
• Don’t leave bill payments in unlocked mailboxes for pick up — drop them off at the post office.
• Shred all credit card offers and any other documents that include your personal information, like bank statements, medical statements, tax returns, and canceled checks.
• Don’t respond to e-mails or pop up windows requesting you to reveal your personal information.
• Routinely check your credit reports for errors. The three major credit reporting companies provide one free credit report each year. Visit annualcreditreport.com to get yours.
• Review all bank statements and bills to be sure there has been no suspicious activity.
• If your wallet or purse is stolen, immediately cancel all credit cards and contact the credit reporting companies to place security alerts on your accounts. This will prevent thieves from applying for credit in your name.

For more information about identity theft and what steps you can take to take control, check out the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) web site.

Download this guide to deterring identity theft from the FTC.