Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

The best way to prevent misuse of your personal information is to keep it from getting into the wrong hands in the first place. These guidelines will help protect you from becoming a victim.

Guard your Social Security Number

Your Social Security Number provides access to your credit report, bank accounts and other information targeted by identity theft criminals.

• Do not carry your Social Security card with you, or print it on checks
• Shred old payroll and bank information, as well as credit card offers before you throw them out

Protect your credit information

• Contact the credit reporting bureaus and ask to have your information taken off their marketing lists (see list of credit bureaus below)
• Never give your credit card number or other information over the phone unless you have initiated the call and trust the business
• Cancel unused credit cards and bank accounts
• Be sure any Internet sites you use to make purchases or conduct personal business use secure servers
• Resist the urge to click Internet pop-up ads and keep your antivirus software updated, as some ads and viruses can cause your computer to be searched for credit information

Deal immediately with identity theft

If you discover that your personal information has been stolen, act quickly to prevent criminals from inflicting damage. The Federal Trade Commission recommends you take the following three actions immediately.

Contact the credit bureaus

Contact the fraud departments of the three major credit reporting bureaus (see below) and ask them to flag your file with a fraud alert and to notify your creditors.

Protect your accounts

Contact the security or fraud departments of your creditors or any accounts that may have been tampered with. Ask them to get permission in writing from you before approving any new activity on your accounts.

Call the police

File a report with the local police where you believe the theft to have taken place. Keep a copy of the report in case your creditors request proof of the crime.

Thanks to the recent passage of the U.S. Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, which became law last December, everyone is entitled to a free credit report once a year. New Yorkers may begin requesting reports on September 1, 2005. Take advantage of this offer and monitor your credit accounts for any unusual activity.