Tips - Reduce Your Risk of Identity Theft

For most of us, identity fraud isn't a question of "if," but "when." According to the FTC, there are approximately 10 million reported cases of Identity Theft each year. Identity theft accounts for 37% of all consumer fraud and now tops the list of complaints filed with the FTC.

Secure Identity Systems, our partner with IDPROTECT, suggests the following tips on how you can stay safe.

Take advantage of the many valuable benefits we offer in our SECURE CHECKING ACCOUNT

Tip 1. Remove your name from pre-screened credit offers at www.optoutprescreen.com or call 1-888-567-8688.

Tip 2. Add your telephone number(s) to the National Do Not Call Registry at www.donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222.

Tip 3. Remove your name from individual Direct Mail Association Member mailing lists at www.dmachoice.org.

Tip 4. Place an alert on your credit file if you believe you have been a victim of identity theft. Call 1-800-525-6285 or visit www.fraudalerts.equifax.com.

Tip 5. Request your free credit report through www.annualcreditreport.com or by calling 1-877-322-8228. (If you have our Secure Checking Account, you can get a 3-in-1 credit report and score too!)

Tip 6. Request your Innovis Data Solutions credit report and place a fraud alert on your Innovis credit file by calling 1-800-540-2505 or log on to www.innovis.com.

Tip 7. Check your Social Security statement of earnings and benefits each year to make sure no one is using your Social Security number for employment. Visit www.ssa.gov/mystatement to request a copy.

Tip 8. Register your email address at www.IDProtectMe247.com to receive free email reminders to renew your fraud alerts and reorder your credit reports. (If you have our Secure Checking Account.)

Tip 9. Avoid carrying Social Security cards, birth certificates or passports and extra credit cards. If you carry a health care card and your Social Security number is used as your ID number, ask if it can be changed.

Tip 10. Protect your debit and credit cards by registering them at www.IDProtectMe247.com. (If you have our Secure Checking Account.)

Tip 11. Avoid using unsecured mailboxes. Promptly remove mail from your mailbox. Deposit outgoing mail containing personal information at your local post office. If you can’t pick up your mail, contact the U.S. Postal Service at 1-800-275-8777 or www.usps.gov to request a vacation hold.

Tip 12. Stay informed by visiting the Identity Theft News Center at www.IDProtectMe247.com

Tip 13. Select intricate passwords and place passwords on all of your financial accounts. Do not use information that is easily available like your birth date, your mother’s maiden name, phone number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. Try to use a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. If a business still asks for your mother’s maiden name when you open an account, ask if you can use an alternate password instead. Memorize your passwords and don’t record them on anything you carry in your wallet or purse.

Tip 14. Shred your mail and important documents using a micro-cut, cross-cut, or “confetti” shredder to dispose of bank statements, credit card bills, convenience checks, pre-approved credit offers, insurance statements, and other forms that might have personal information. Don’t discard sensitive documents at work unless you can ensure that they will be shredded properly.

Tip 15. Protect your internet and computer with a firewall, spyware detection and virus protection software. Update and run your protection software at least once a month. Do not open or click on hyperlinks that come from unknown sources. The internet gives you access to information, entertainment, financial offers and more, but it can leave you vulnerable to online scammers and identity thieves. If a company sends an email asking you to provide sensitive information, do not use the links provided. Most legitimate companies do not request information in this manner. Contact the company to verify or visit their website directly.

Tip 16. Monitor your bank and credit accounts to detect any sign of misuse as soon as it happens. The size of fraud loss is much lower for consumers that monitor their accounts regularly online. View checks online to ensure that transactions were legitimate. Review your credit card statements, bank statements and cellular phone bills for unauthorized use.

Tip 17. Protect your purse or wallet at all times. Avoid carrying any personal information that is not required to be on your person. When at work, make sure your purse or wallet is stored in a locked drawer or locker. Don’t leave a purse unattended in a store or restaurant.

Tip 18. Keep your personal information in a secure place at home, or in a safety deposit box. Keep a list or make photocopies of all credit and debit cards. Include account numbers, expiration dates, and customer service phone numbers. This allows you to have access to information needed should loss or fraud occur.

Tip 19. When using credit and debit cards, always pay attention to people around you when entering your pin number. Make sure nobody is looking over your shoulder, known as “shoulder surfing”. Always keep your card in view. Pocket-sized “skimming” devices can be used by the cashier, waiter, etc., to capture your credit card information. Never throw your receipt into a public trash receptacle. Take receipts home and shred them.