IDENTITY THEFT-

 

Did you know that-

 

* Nearly 10 million Americans were victimized by identity theft costing them nearly five billion dollars last year? Identity theft also affected businesses and institutions to the tune of 48 billion dollars.

  

* Most identity theft involves the U.S. mail?

 

* The average victim could spend up to $20,000 and, in many cases, more than 175 hours of their time correcting the problem and restoring their ID?

 

* It could take a year to 16 months before a victim realizes their identity has been compromised?

 

 

YOU MUST PROTECT YOUR 'HOUSE' ! 

 

• Don't carry your social security card on your person. Keep it secured at home.

   

• Shred all documents containing personal information before discarding in the trash.

   

• When away from home for extended periods, have the Post Office hold your mail.

   

• Annually request copies of your credit report from any of the three credit bureaus. You are entitled by federal law to a free report if you are a victim of fraud.

   

• Don't leave mail in your mailbox overnight or on weekends.

   

• Deposit outgoing mail in U.S. Postal Service collection boxes.

   

• Sign new credit cards immediately. Do not wait !

   

• Keep your hands free at ATM machines. When making entries, cover pad with your hand. Avoid going to an ATM with too many 'carry items' in tow.

   

• Avoid congested areas near ATM's or phones. Beware of 'shoulder surfing'.

   

• Don't leave receipts at ATM's, gas pumps and financial institutions.

   

• Never give out personal information over the phone or online unless you initiated the transaction. Beware of online 'phishing'.

   

 

 If you suspect that your identity has been compromised-

 

• Request that a 'fraud alert' be placed in your file alerting lenders to contact you.

   

• Place a password on credit and banking accounts.

   

• File a report with your local police department.

   

• Contact creditors where a fraudulent account has been opened in your name.

   

• File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 877-428-4338.

   

• If you have been victimized by activity involving theft, tampering or redirection of your mail, contact the U.S. Postal Service.

   

• Contact the fraud units of Experion, Trans Union or Equifax.

   

For additional information, go to the following sites:

 

 

Federal Deposit Insurance Commission (FDIC) www.fdic.gov

 

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) www.ftc.gov or www.consumer.gov

 

Social Security Administration (SSA) www.ssa.gov

 

U.S. Postal Service (USPS) www.usps.com

 

- Reference material courtesy of U.S. Postal Service, FTC and Realtysecurity.com -