Identity Theft and Protecting Yourself

Identity theft occurs when someone uses another person's personal information such as name, Social Security number, driver's license number, credit card number, or other identifying information to take on that person's identity in order to commit fraud or other crimes.

Recommended Precautions

To avoid identity theft, the following precautions are recommended:

• Protect your Social Security number. Don't carry your Social Security card or other cards that show your SSN. Read "Your Social Security Number: Controlling the Key to Identity Theft" (www.ssa.gov/oig/executive_operations/factsheet1.htm).
  
  
• Use caution when sharing personal information. Scam artists "phish" for victims by pretending to be banks, stores, or government agencies. They do this over the phone, via e-mail, and via postal mail.
  
  
• Treat your trash carefully. Shred or destroy papers containing your personal information, including credit card offers and "convenience checks" that you don't use.
  
  
• Protect your postal mail. Retrieve mail promptly. Discontinue delivery while out of town.
  
  
• Check your bills and bank statements. Open your credit card bills and bank statements right away. Check carefully for any unauthorized charges or withdrawals and report them immediately. Call if bills don’t arrive on time. It may mean that someone has changed contact information to hide fraudulent charges.
  
  
• Check your credit reports. Review your credit report at least once a year. Check for changed addresses and fraudulent charges.
  
  
• Stop pre-approved credit offers. Pre-approved credit card offers are a target for identity thieves who steal your mail. Have your name removed from credit bureau marketing lists. Call toll-free 888-5OPTOUT (888-567-8688).
  
  
• Ask questions. Ask questions whenever you are asked for personal information that seems inappropriate for the transaction. Ask how the information will be used and if it will be shared. Ask how it will be protected. If you're not satisfied with the answers, don't provide your personal information.
  
  
• Protect your computer. Protect personal information on your computer by following these security practices:
  • Use passwords that make it as difficult as possible for an intruder to correctly guess what you've chosen.
  • Use firewall, anti-virus, and anti-spyware software and update it regularly.
  • Download software only from sites you know and trust and only after reading all the terms and conditions.
  • Don't click on links in pop-up windows or in spam e-mail.
    
    
• Use the Web with caution. When shopping online, check out a website before entering your credit card number or other personal information. Read the privacy policy and take opportunities to opt out of information sharing. Enter personal information only on secure Web pages that encrypt your data in transit. You can often tell if a page is secure if "https" is in the URL or if there is a closed padlock icon on the browser window.

Additional Resources

If you have reason to believe your personal information has been compromised or stolen, go to the Federal Trade Commission website, www.consumer.gov/idtheft. This website lists the steps you should take immediately.

Social Security Administration
SSA Fraud Hotline: 800-269-0271
www.ssa.gov

If you are the victim of a stolen Social Security number, the SSA can provide information on how to report the fraudulent use of your number and how to correct your earnings record. We encourage you to contact the Fraud Hotline immediately once you suspect identity theft.

The SSA website also provides tips on using and securing your Social Security number. SSA Publication 05-10064 provides additional advice for keeping your number safe.

ID Theft Clearinghouse
1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338)
Call the ID Theft Clearinghouse toll free to report identity theft. Counselors will take your complaint and advise you how to deal with the credit-related problems that could result from identity theft.

Department of Justice
www.usdoj.gov/criminal/fraud/idtheft.html

Social Security Administration
www.ssa.gov/oig/executive_operations/factsheet1.htm

Privacy Rights Clearinghouse—Identity Theft Resources
www.privacyrights.org/identity.htm

National Fraud Information Center Hotline
800-876-7060

Identity Theft Resource Center
858-693-7935