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How to Prevent It

What is Identity Theft?

• Identity theft happens when crooks pretend to be you and apply for credit cards in your name.
• They use things like your name, address, Social Security number, bank account, credit card numbers, or birth date.
• The thieves then buy things but don't pay for them.
• By the time you learn what happened, your credit is ruined and bill collectors are hounding you.

Do I have to Pay for What the Thieves Buy?

You don't have to pay for any money that is lost when the crooks steal your identity.

How do I Prevent Identity Theft?

Tear up private papers, receipts, and even junk mail. Most theft happens when crooks find or steal information about you.

• They may steal your wallet.
• They may take a credit card receipt, bill, check stubs, offers for credit cards or bank statement.
• Thieves go through your garbage.
• Even your junk mail can be used to steal your credit.

Watch what you say on the phone

• When you use a pay phone, it is easy for others to hear what you are saying.
• On some cell phones, you can be heard by people who use scanning devices. There are people who make money collecting facts this way.
• Don't discuss private details or give credit card numbers while on a pay or cell phone.

Be careful shopping on the Internet

• Make sure the lock or key icon on your screen is whole.
• A broken icon means that the site is not safe and that your information can be stolen.

Check credit card and bank statements right away

• Jot down a list of your credit card and bank accounts.
• List when you expect bills and statements to arrive.
• Look over your bills as soon as you get them. Make sure no one else has used your accounts.
• If a bill doesn't arrive on time, or there is a purchase or withdrawl you did not make, call the company or bank right away.

Check your credit reports every year

• Make sure that no one else has been using your credit.
• You can order a copy of your reports from credit reporting companies by sending a request and your payment.
• The cost is normally around $8.00 per report.

The three credit reporting bureaus are

• Equifax (1-800-685-1111)
• Experian (1-888-397-3742)
• Trans Union (1-800-916-8800).

Talk to your boss about identity theft.

Bosses keep a lot of data about their workers.

• It should be kept in a safe place. Only key workers should be able to get to it.
• In your own office, keep papers such as health insurance or pay check stubs in a locked drawer.
• Tear or shred bills and receipts that you no longer need.