Identity theft is when someone uses your name, address, social security number, credit card or any other personal identifier without your knowledge or approval to commit fraud or other crimes.
Here are some tips to prevent your identity from being stolen:
- Your Social Security Number is confidential and should be memorized. Don't make it easy for someone to steal your Social Security Number by carrying it with you.
- Don't give personal information over the telephone, through the mail, or over the internet unless you know who you are dealing with.
- Thieves often pose as representatives of financial institutions, internet service providers, and government agencies in an attempt to get your Social Security Number. Be careful about sharing your personal information with anyone who asks for it, even when you are being provided with a benefit or service.
- Be aware of official-looking mail or email. Some fraud schemes appear to come from a government agency, but are actually fraudulent.
- Always shred all cancelled checks, bank statements, medical information, credit card applications, pre-approved credit card offers, and all other documents that may contain any personal identifiers.
- Some companies, institutions, and even health care providers request unnecessary confidential information before allowing you to make large purchases. You should know that in many circumstances there is no legal requirement for you to provide this information. Politely challenge their right or need for this information before completing the transaction.
- Never place outgoing mail containing confidential information in your mailbox for your mail deliverer to pick up.
- Review your credit reports regularly.
- Immediately report any thefts of checks, financial statements, or similar items to law enforcement authorities. If your Social Security card is lost or stolen, immediately contact the Social Security Administration office.
If you sense that someone is using your Social Security Number, immediately contact the Social Security Administration. You may also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (https://rn.ftc.gov/pls/dod/widtpubl$.startup?Z_ORG_CODE=PU03 ) or call the ID Theft Hotline, toll-free: 1-877-438-4338.
The Social Security Administration cannot fix your credit if someone used your Social Security Number to get credit. You will need to contact the creditors who approved the credit, follow up with a letter, and file a police report.
If you are a victim of identity theft, keep a copy of the police report to use if your stolen identity is ever used to commit a crime.
This list is based primarily on information provided by the United States Federal Trade Commission on its ID Theft website and the Social Security Administration.