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Identity
Theft - Protecting Your Good Name... Page 2
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Preventing Identity Theft
There are a number of ways that will help you combat identity theft:
- Order a copy of your credit report every year from the three
credit bureaus. Verify its accuracy and make any necessary
corrections.
- Reduce the number of cards you carry to only those necessary such as a photo I.D. or
driver's license. Avoid carrying your social security card or other personal documents.
- Keep track of your credit card purchases by saving your sales receipts until your credit
bill arrives. Carefully match your receipts to the transactions on the credit statement
and immediately notify your creditor if there are any errors or unusual charges.
- Never give personal information over the phone unless you have verified the source or
initiated the call.
- Limit the use of your Social Security number as a personal identifier whenever possible.
Use alternative forms of identification.
- File personal information in a safe place such as a safety deposit box or home lock box.
Include all bank statements, insurance forms, old or new checks, and credit statements.
- Cancel any unused credit or charge accounts that you don't use actively. Use your credit
report to help identify such accounts.
- Draw up an active list of your account numbers and telephone numbers of creditors for
quick use. Keep in a safe place.
Credit and Debt Calculators:
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• Should I pay off debt or
invest in savings?
• What will it take to pay off my balance?
• Should I consolidate my
debts?
• How Much Am I Spending?
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