In an open society, there is no way to absolutely protect yourself from identity theft. However, there are some simple steps you can take to minimize the risk of having your identity stolen. These 11 rules of personal identity protection are based on the best advise from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and credit bureaus, and will help make you less vulnerable to identity theft.
- Before providing personal identifying information, make sure you know who is gathering the information, why it is being requested, and how it will be used. In the case of telemarketers, if they called you and you don't know the caller, don't share any personal financial information, especially bank account numbers or social security numbers. Even if their product or service interests you, ask them for a number so you can call them back. Most telephone con artists won't give you a number, in which case, hang up.
- Minimize credit card use and note your billing cycles. If the bills don't arrive on time, contact the creditors. A missing credit card bill could mean a thief has stolen either an incoming bill or outgoing payment. Keep your credit card account information in a secure place so that you can cancel all accounts if your wallet is stolen.
- Check your bank account regularly either online or by phone to detect any unusual activity rather than wait for your monthly statement.
- Guard your mail from theft, don't leave mail overnight in your box and don't put checks in your box to be picked up. This is like leaving your front door open to an identity thief.
- Never carry your social security card in your wallet and don't write the number down on a piece of paper and carry it. The result is the same. Never share that number unless it is required. There is no law requiring you to provide your social security number with a retail store. If a clerk won't take your check without your social security number, ask for a supervisor or walk away without buying.
- Never order checks preprinted with your driver's license number or social security number on them.
- Request a copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies every year. If it is not accurate, bring it to their attention ASAP. Pay particular attention to any outstanding accounts that are not familiar to you.
- When shopping on-line make sure that you know with whom you are dealing. Identity thieves have hijacked Web sites such as Ebay and PayPal and directed customer monies to their own accounts.
- Destroy credit card receipts, credit card offers, and any other records that contain personally identifiable information. Buy an inexpensive shredder or find another way to totally destroy old records no longer required. One of the favorite ways for identity thieves to steal information is to go through your trash.
- Find out who has access to your personnel records at work and verify that the records are secure and only accessible to those authorized to see them. These records contain spousal information, social security numbers, dates of birth, and other information valuable to identity thieves.
- Password protect your bank accounts and credit cards to add an additional layer of security.
