Identity theft is something that strikes fear in the hearts of anyone with a credit card or a bank account. Just what is "Identity Theft and Identity Fraud" and how do you avoid becoming a victim? Well, fix yourself a cup of tea and let me enlighten you: The basic definition of identity theft and identity fraud is: A crime in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person's personal data in a way that involves fraud or deception for economic gain. Unlike your finger prints that cannot be used by anyone else, your Social Security number, any credit card numbers, your bank account number, and any other identifying numbers can be used to perpetrate an identity theft and fraud before you even know it. The victim of identity theft and fraud can suffer loss of funds from their bank accounts or other financial accounts or, worse case scenario, have their identities taken over completely. The perpetrator may run up vast debts and commit crimes while using the victim's name. The victim's loss may not only be out of pocket financial loss, but additional financial costs, not to mention time trying to restore her reputation and credit. To make matters worse for the victim, the perpetrator can sell the victim's information to many as many "buyers" as he can find, now the victim really has problems from which he (she) may NEVER recover. Ladies, many just don't realize how very easy it is for a professional criminal to obtain the smallest bit of information they need to make your life miserable! How do you protect yourself, your family, and your business? I thought you would never ask. - A professional will "Shoulder surf" that is they will watch over your shoulder (or stand nearby) as you enter your telephone calling card number or a credit card number, not to mention your pin number. Be aware of who is around you in air ports, hotels, car rental companies, the bank and for that matter, Wal- Mart. If you feel someone is just too close stop the conversation or (if on your cell) move away. In the store stand close to that little thing that you swipe your card in then enter your pin number so the person standing behind you cannot see what numbers you are entering. Chances are they are just as honest as you, but you never know.
- Change your pin number regularly and, if you must, keep a record of the number where it cannot be found. My neighbor can never remember her pin number so writes every new number down, puts it in a plastic bag and places it under the kitty litter box. I don't recommend going out and buying a kitty just for security purposes, use your own imagination to suit your needs.
- If you have a shredder- USE it. If not get one as soon as possible. You know those pesky "Pre-approved" credit cards you get in the mail? Shred them immediately. A criminal can retrieve the information and get a credit card in your name. Some of the larger credit card companies have adopted security measures that allow a card recipient to activate the card only from her home phone number, but this is not a universal practice yet.
- This one is touchy, if your have been in a relationship, and the partner in that relationship has had access to your personal or banking information, and that relationship didn't end on a happy note, you may want to think about getting a new bank account, changing pin numbers, and taking this person's name off all accounts.
- In today's computer crazed world, the Internet has become an appealing place for criminals to get identifying information such as passwords and even banking information. Be VERY careful about the email you open, especially "spam" and beware of any offers that promise a service or merchandise requires identifying your information. Really, to protect your computer from a virus, you should never open emails from anyone that you don't personally know.
- Be careful too of the caller who says he is from your bank or Credit Card Company and starts to ask personal questions. Your bank or Credit Card Company should have this information on file. Tell then you are not interested then report the call to your banking institution.
- The more personal information you have on your checks such as your Social Security number or phone number, the more information you are giving to someone who may not need to know that information.
- If you are traveling, hold your mail at the post office until you return or have a family member or trusted friend collect it daily.
- Check your financial information frequently and check your credit report monthly, especially if your feel that someone may have gotten your information without your consent.
- Closely review your monthly credit card statement. Send your credit card company a written request that you be contacted is there is any unusual activity and keep a copy of that request.
The professional will use computer technology to obtain your information, and sadly there is not much you can do to stop him. What should you do if you do become a victim? - Notify all of your credit card companies and cancel all accounts. Many have reports that they will send you to report the crime
- Contact your bank and close all accounts.
- Call the fraud units of the three principal credit reporting companies. I have listed the phone numbers at the end of this article. Keep them handy.
- Contact the Social Security Administration if you feel that your Social Security Number may be used fraudulently. That number is 1-800-269-0271.
- Under the Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is responsible for receiving and processing complaints from people who believe they may be victims of identity theft or fraud. Their contact information is also included at the end of the article.
- While you are at it, contact your local FBI office. You could go to your local police department and file a report as well.
Identity theft is a crime that the victim may not be aware of until it is WAY too late, but if you follow these few steps and rely on your own smarts, you can drastically reduce your chances of becoming a victim. Here are some numbers that your will want to clip out and save: Federal Trade Commission: 1-877-438-4338 or TDD at 1-202-326-2502. Equifax: - To report a fraud call 1-800-525-6285.
- To get a copy of your credit report (a fee may be required) call 1-800-685-1111 or write P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, Ga. 30374-0241
- To opt out of pre-approved offers call1-888-567-8688 or send a written request to Equifax Options, P.O. Box 740123, Atlanta, Ga. 30374-0123
Experian (formerly TRW): - To report a fraud call 1-888-397-3742 or fax to 1-800-301-7196.
- To get a copy of your credit report, call 1-888-EXPERIAN or write to P.O. Box 2104, Allen, TX 75013.
- To opt out of the pre-approved offers and marketing list call 1-800-353-0809 or write P.O. Box 919, Allen, TX. 75013.
TransUnion: - To report a fraud, call 1-800-680-7289.
- To order a copy of your credit report, call 1-800-888-4213.
- To opt out of the pre-approved offers and marketing list, write to P.O. Box 97328, Jackson, Ms. 39238.
By Sandy Glover, Licensed Private Investigator, C2500973, Fl. NOTE: I have obtained much of the information included in this article from the United Stated Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Intelligence and Bank of America. If you have any questions or need further information, please contact me at sandy@goldshieldli.com. If I can't help you, I will do all I can to direct you to the resource that can. Be safe, Sandy For more information about the author, please see her profile on her website. Sandy Glover is a retired police detective with over 20 years experience and now a licensed private investigator specializing in background screening.
Sandy Glover, President
Gold Shield Legal Investigations, Inc.
67 Kent Drive
Ormond Beach, Florida 32176
386.295.6558
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