When someone steals identification that defines you, such as your social security, bank account, or credit card numbers, to acquire any benefits, or damage your reputation. There are many ways thieves get your information. On-line: Phishing, pharming, and spyware; A few other ways: Vishing (phone calls), skimming (compromised ATM machine). Below is some information for ‘off-line’ protection.
Be extremely cautious when handling and disclosing your social security number, mother’s maiden name, date of birth, past addresses, driver’s license number, and, of course, bank and credit account numbers.
Don’t leave outgoing checks or paid bills in your residential mailbox. Take it to the post office or drop it in a U.S. Postal Service mailbox. Also, consider paying bills electronically; a lot of financial institutions now offer this option.
Opt out of pre-approved credit card offers by calling (888) 5OPTOUT, or (888) 567-8688. Your request covers all three major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax).
When you order new checks, do not have them sent to your residence. Pick them up at the bank. Or, have them delivered to you by registered mail — so you have to sign for them personally.
Call your credit card company if your card has expired and you have not yet received a replacement.
What to do if you become a victim:
Contact the fraud department of any one of the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit report.
(See below for phone numbers.) The fraud alert requests creditors to contact you before opening any new accounts or making any changes to your existing accounts. As soon as the credit bureau confirms your fraud alert, the other two credit bureaus will be automatically notified to place fraud alerts, and all three credit reports will be sent to you free of charge. Once you receive your reports, review them carefully to make sure no fraudulent accounts have been opened in your name or unauthorized changes made to your existing account.
Contact the creditors (credit card companies, banks and other lenders) and close any accounts that you know or believe have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. Ask to speak to someone in the security or fraud department of each creditor. It’s particularly important to notify credit card companies in writing.
File a police report. Get a copy of the report to submit to creditors and others that may require proof of the crime.