Avoid Becoming a Victim of Identity Theft

• Posted on April 24, 2008
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Minimize the INFORMATION a thief can steal - The following are some guidelines to help avoid becoming a victim of identity fraud. If you have already become a victim, see our Tips for Victims.

• Beware of Fake IRS E-Mails, the IRS does not initiate communication with taxpayers through e-mail.

• Don't carry a Social Security Card, extra credit cards or a passport unless the documents are needed.

• Memorize your Social Security Number, any personal identification numbers and passwords. If you write them down, do not record them on anything in your wallet or purse. When creating a password or PIN, do not use digits from your Social Security number, telephone number or date of birth.

• Sign new credit cards upon receipt. Save all credit card receipts and match them against your monthly bills. Never throw them away intact in a public trash container.

• Never loan out your credit card. Report lost or stolen credit cards immediately.

• Never give out personal identity information, especially Social Security or credit card numbers over the phone, unless you know the person or business and initiated the phone call.

• Beware of phone or mail solicitations disguised as promotions offering prizes or bargains designed solely to obtain your Social Security or credit card numbers.

• Don't leave mail out for pickup and have a locked mailbox. Promptly remove mail from your mailbox after delivery.

• Shred all mail, bills, receipts and financial documents with your name or identification numbers on them, especially pre-approved offers of credit. Thieves have been known to fish identities out of trash bins.

• Look over monthly credit card and bank statements carefully. Follow up if any charges or withdrawals appear suspicious.

• Order credit reports from the three major credit bureaus at least once a year and more often if you have been a victim. Check every line of information in your file for fraudulent activity and other discrepancies.

• Pay bills electronically when possible. Follow up with creditors if you do not receive a bill on time because it could mean an identity thief has taken over your account and has changed the billing address.

• Remove your name from the marketing lists of the three major credit reporting bureaus to limit the pre-approved offers of credit you receive.

• Keep the number of credit cards you use to a bare minimum. Cancel all unused credit card accounts.