Shielding your private information with
no risk of a breakdown may be impossible these days. But
there are some simple ways to protect you from becoming
a victim of Identity Theft. The Houston Police Department
is providing these simple, but very important, tips to protect
you and your name.
1. Destroy private records and
statements. Tear up – or, if you prefer,
shred – credit cards statements, solicitations, and
other documents that contain private financial information.
2. Secure
your mail. Empty you mailbox quickly, lock it or
get a P.O. box so criminals don’t have a chance to
snatch credit card pitches. Never mail outgoing bill payments
and checks from home. They can be stolen from your
mailbox and the payee’s name erased with solvents.
Mail them from the post office or another secure location.
3. Safeguard your Social Security
number. Never carry your card with you, or any
other card that may have your number, like a health insurance
card. Don’t put your number on your checks. It’s
the primary target for identity thieves because it gives
them access to your credit report and bank accounts.
4. Don’t leave a paper trail. Never leave ATM, credit card or gas station receipts
behind.
5. Never let your credit card out
of your sight. Worried about credit card skimming?
Always keep an eye on your card or, when that’s not
possible, pay with cash.
6. Know who you’re dealing
with. Whenever anyone contacts you asking for private
identity or financial information, make no response other
than to find out who they are, what company they represent
and the reason for the call. If you think the request is
legitimate, contact the company yourself and confirm what
you were told before revealing any of your personal data.
7. Take your name off marketers’
hit lists. In addition to the national Do-Not-Call
registry (1-888-382-1222), you can also cut down on junk
mail and opt out of credit card solicitations.
8. Be more defensive with personal
information. Ask salespeople and other if information
such as Social Security or driver’s license number
is absolutely necessary. Ask anyone who does require your
Social Security number about their privacy policy and that
you do not want your information given to anyone else.
9. Monitor your credit report. Obtain and thoroughly review your credit report (check for
a free copy at www.Annualcreditreport.com or by calling
877-322-8228) at least once a year to check for suspicious
activity. If you find something, alert your card company
or the creditor immediately. You may also look into credit
protection services, which alerts you any time a change
takes place with your credit report.
10. Review your credit cards statements
carefully. Make sure you recognize the merchants,
locations and purchases listed before paying the bill. If
you don’t need or use department-store or bank-issued
credit cards, consider closing the accounts.
www.idtheftcenter.org/index.shtml (For Information on consumer based items click on consumer
resources on the left side of the page) Go get consumer
or victim related information click on consumer or victim
on the left side of the page.
