Released April 24, 2009
MARION, Ark. - Identity theft is a serious crime. It occurs when someone uses your personal identifying information without your knowledge to commit fraud and other crimes.
"In addition to destroying your credit and ruining your good name, identity theft can cost you time and money," says VeEtta Simmons, Crittenden County extension staff chair for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
The Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, says identity theft crime can take many forms, from renting an apartment to opening charge accounts or establishing a phone account in your name. Consumers may not be aware they’re being victimized until they review their credit card statement and notice charges you didn’t make, or until you’re contacted by a debt collector.
Nothing can guarantee you won’t become a victim of identity theft, Simmons says, but the following tips can help you can minimize your risk and minimize the damage if a problem develop by making it more difficult for identity thieves to access your personal information:
- Protect your social security number. Don’t carry your Social Security card in your wallet or write it on a check. Never give the number to an unknown caller. For business reasons, know why your Social Security is needed, how it will be used and how it will be protected.
- Treat your trash and mail carefully. To deter dumpster divers seeking personal identification, always shred important documents to include bank statements, canceled checks, physician statements and credit card offers before discarding them.
- Select intricate passwords. Place passwords on your bank, phone and charge accounts. Avoid using easily available information such as your mother’s maiden name, birthdays, and the last four digits of your social or phone numbers. When possible, mix numbers and letters. Don’t write the PIN on your card!
- Safeguard your purse and wallet. Protect your purse and wallet at all times. Carry only the identifying information and the credit and debit cards you’ll need when you go out.
- Verify sources before sharing. Don’t share information on the phone, Internet or through the mail unless you initiated the contact and you’re sure you know who you are dealing with.
If you become a victim, act quickly and effectively to minimize damage. Be alert, but most importantly, be persistent. Keep a detailed list of all communications, including the name of the person you are talking with, the date of your conversation and time.
The FTC says if you become a victim, follow these guidelines:
- File a report with your local police or the police department where the theft occurred. When filing the report, carry a copy of your ID Theft Compliant Form, your cover letter and supporting documentation. Get a written copy of your police report.
- Place a "fraud alert" on your credit reports and review your credit reports. Fraud alert can help prevent an identity thief from opening any more accounts in your name. The company you contact is required to contact the other two which will place an alert on their version of your report. Their contact information is: Equifax (800-525-6285), Trans Union (800-680-7289), and Experian (888-EXPERIAN)
- Close the accounts (including bank accounts) you believe have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. Call and speak with someone in the fraud or security department and follow up in writing. Include copies of supporting document.
- File a compliant with FTC using the online compliant form, or call the Identity Theft Hotline at 1-877-ID-THEFT.
For more information on identity theft, contact your county extension office or the FTC at (1-877-ID THEFT) or visit http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft for more information.
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http://www.uaex.edu/news/april2009/0424money_idtheft.htm
Contact: Elizabeth Fortune, (501) 671-2120, efortune@uaex.edu
