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IDENTITY THEFT
What is identity Theft?
Identity theft is when another individual uses your personal information without permission to open fraudulent credit card accounts, access already established credit accounts, secure loans and even obtain employment. Criminals go through trash cans, spy on you at ATM machines or telephone booths, access public records and even steal your mail. Shred every item bearing your name and address. Identity theft can happen to anyone. Previously, criminals stole your wallet for your cash, now they want your wallet to steal your good name, Protect yourself and your identity.
What is personal information?
Any information that an imposter could use to commit fraud such as:
*Social Security number
*Birth date
*Driver's License number
*Mother's maiden name
*Bank account or credit card number
PROTECT YOURSELF!
*Consider installing a locked mailbox or using a post office box.
*If you place an order for checks or merchandise, arrange to pick them up rather then have them delivered.
*Never allow your Social Security Number or drivers license number to be printed on your checks!
*Do not leave mail for the postal carrier to pick up. Mail your bills and other sensitive items at the post office.
*Remove your name from the marketing list of the credit reporting bureaus: Equifax, Experian and Trans Union. This will limit the number of pre-approved offers of the credit you you receive.
*Sign up for Direct Marketing Association's Mail Preference Service. This will delete your name from member's marketing list for up to five years.
*Watch the mail closely when your expect a new or reissued credit card to arrive.
*Order a copy of your credit report at least once a year to check for inaccuracies or fraudulent use of accounts.
*Keep a list of photocopy of your credit cards, account numbers, expiration dates and telephone number for customer service in a secure place (not your wallet or purse). You will need to contact those creditor if your cards are lost or stolen.
*Never give out your credit card numbers of bank account numbers over the phone unless YOU have initiated the call. Don't fall for telephone scams demanding your account numbers.
*Always take your credit card receipt with you after a transaction. Never throw the receipt away without properly Shredding it.
*Check your billing statement each month for unauthorized charges. If you do not receive your bill on time, contact your creditor. It may be that a fraudulent change of address was filed with the creditor of the post office without your knowledge.
*NEVER write your account numbers on checks of the outside of envelopes.
Your credit card statement should provide an address to mail your payment and an address for correspondence. Request, in writing, that the issuer for each of your credit cards remove your name form their marketing and promotional list which they sell or share with other companies.. Also, if any of your credit card issuers send random-issue convenience checks, request, in writing to be removed from that mailing list.
*Memorize all your passwords. Don't record them in your wallet or purse.
*Shield your hand when entering your PIN at a bank or when making ling distance phone calls 
with your calling card. Identity thieves have been known to spy on their victims with binoculars or video cameras.
with your calling card. Identity thieves have been known to spy on their victims with binoculars or video cameras.Social Security Number:
*Release your social security number only when absolutely necessary or required by law. This number is the key to your banking and credit card accounts, insurance and health benefits.
*As mentioned above, Do not have your Social Security number printed on your checks.
To remove your Name and Home address from national mailing list write to:
Mail Preference Service
Direct Marketing Association
PO Box 1559
Carmel, NY 10512
To remove your name and phone number from TELEPHONE solicitation list, write to:
Telephone Preference Service
Direct Marketing Association
PO Box 1559
Carmel, NY 10512
To stop receiving pre-approved credit cards and other unwanted solicitations using your credit report call:
1-888-567-8688
To contact each of the national credit reporting agencies:
