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Saint Michael's College Office of Crime Prevention
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Current Topic
IDENTITY THEFT
Identity-Theft is not only a growing concern but according to a FTC (Federal Trade Commission) survey Identity-Theft was defined as an epidemic. That survey reported that in 2004 there were 9.9 million victims.
Identity-Theft is the act of another person possessing your name, address, social security number (SSN), or any other personal information of yours to be used to commit fraud in your name.
What can you do?
There are things you can do to reduce your chances of being a victim, however there is no way to completely protect yourself.
1. USE A SHREDDER. This makes it harder to get your information.
2. If you throw out your personal info a "dumpster diver" will look in the trash to get it.
3. Use ATM's in a safe manner. Watch out for "shoulder surfers", they are looking for your acct. #'s and PINs.
4. Get your new checks delivered to your bank not your home. Who knows who is watching your mailbox when you are not home.
5. DO NOT mail your bills out from home. Use a post office.
6. Waiting for new credit cards? Watch your calendar. If it does not arrive on time call the grantor and check the status.
7.DO NOT have unused credit cards. Cancel unused cards, if you get burglarized the thief will have open credit in your name.
8. DO NOT use mothers maiden name or birthdates for passwords or PINs.
9.Get a PO BOX or a locking mailbox.
10. DO NOT carry birth certificates, SSNs, or any extra info in your purse or wallet. (unless needed).
11. Memorize you passwords, SSNs, licenses and such.
12. DO NOT carry this information in a wallet or purse. This gives a thief the "keys" to your identity.
13. DO NOT use unsecured or non encrypted web sites for personal banking.
14. Monitor your bills monthly.
15. Order a credit report once a year.
16. If you see a mistake correct it with the reporting agency right away.
17. DO NOT reply to online offers that require your personal information, same rule for phone and mail solicitations.
If you find yourself a victim there are things to do right away and things to remember.
Something to keep in mind is that in most cases the "victim" is deemed as the credit grantor and not the person suffering from the experience.
Here are the immediate steps to take.
1. Once you have reason to suspect you are a victim have a (fraud alert) placed in your file with the reporting agencies.
2. Close the effected accounts.
3. File a police report.
4. File a affidavit with the FTC.
5. When you open new accounts make sure to change your PINs and Passwords.
As a victim you have rights.
The FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act) grants you certain rights and they are as follows:
1. You have the right to have the credit reporting agencies put a "Fraud Alert" in your file.
2. You have the right to receive free copies of that information in your file for review.
3. You have the right to obtain documents relating to the fraud that was opened in your name.
4. You have the right to obtain information from the debt collectors relating to the fraud.
In these cases you will have to prove your identity and in some cases there are restrictions or limitations.
With this in mind a more assistance go to the FTC website at www.consumer.gov/idtheft. On this site you can read a very detailed report, get statistics, file a report, and become well informed on how to prepare yourself.
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