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In the News - April 2009
Identity theft: How to avoid being a victim
MARION, Ark. - Identity theft is a serious crime. It occurs when someone uses
your personal identifying information without your knowledge to commit fraud and
other crimes.
"In addition to destroying your credit and ruining your good name, identity
theft can cost you time and money," says VeEtta Simmons, Crittenden County
extension staff chair for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
The Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, says identity theft crime can take many
forms, from renting an apartment to opening charge accounts or establishing a
phone account in your name. Consumers may not be aware they’re being victimized
until they review their credit card statement and notice charges you didn’t
make, or until you’re contacted by a debt collector.
Nothing can guarantee you won’t become a victim of identity theft, Simmons
says, but the following tips can help you can minimize your risk and minimize
the damage if a problem develop by making it more difficult for identity thieves
to access your personal information:
- Protect your social security number. Don’t carry your
Social Security card in your wallet or write it on a check. Never give
the number to an unknown caller. For business reasons, know why your
Social Security is needed, how it will be used and how it will be
protected.
- Treat your trash and mail carefully. To deter
dumpster divers seeking personal identification, always shred important
documents to include bank statements, canceled checks, physician
statements and credit card offers before discarding them.
- Select intricate passwords. Place passwords on your
bank, phone and charge accounts. Avoid using easily available
information such as your mother’s maiden name, birthdays, and the last
four digits of your social or phone numbers. When possible, mix numbers
and letters. Don’t write the PIN on your card!
- Safeguard your purse and wallet. Protect your purse
and wallet at all times. Carry only the identifying information and the
credit and debit cards you’ll need when you go out.
- Verify sources before sharing. Don’t share
information on the phone, Internet or through the mail unless you
initiated the contact and you’re sure you know who you are dealing with.
If you become a victim, act quickly and effectively to minimize damage. Be
alert, but most importantly, be persistent. Keep a detailed list of all
communications, including the name of the person you are talking with, the date
of your conversation and time.
The FTC says if you become a victim, follow these guidelines:
- File a report with your local police or the police
department where the theft occurred. When filing the report, carry a
copy of your ID Theft Compliant Form, your cover letter and supporting
documentation. Get a written copy of your police report.
- Place a "fraud alert" on your credit reports and review
your credit reports. Fraud alert can help prevent an identity thief
from opening any more accounts in your name. The company you
contact is required to contact the other two which will place an alert
on their version of your report. Their contact information is:
Equifax (800-525-6285), Trans Union (800-680-7289), and Experian (888-EXPERIAN)
- Close the accounts (including bank accounts) you believe
have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. Call and speak with
someone in the fraud or security department and follow up in writing.
Include copies of supporting document.
- File a compliant with FTC using the online compliant
form, or call the Identity Theft Hotline at 1-877-ID-THEFT.
For more information on identity theft, contact your county extension office
or the FTC at (1-877-ID THEFT) or visit
www.consumer.gov/idtheft for more information.
The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the U of A Division of
Agriculture.
April 24, 2009
Media Contact: Elizabeth Fortune
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2120
efortune@uaex.edu
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