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What is Identity Theft?
Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal and financial information and uses your money and resources for their purposes. With the widespread use of computers for online banking and shopping, identity theft has become an increasing problem in today’s society. Identity thieves may use the information they gather to empty your bank account, rack up credit card debt and take out loans in your name.
How can I prevent Identity Theft?
1. Only give out personal information, such as your Social Security Number if you know and trust the person(s) you are giving it to. Don't be afraid to ask questions: How will this infomration be used? Will it be shared?
2. Make sure you use virus and security protection and most importantly that your anti-virus program has received all its updates.
3. When transmitting your credit card information online make sure it is through a secure server. When using your web browser, look for the lock symbol on the bottom of the screen. Also look for "https" in the address bar, the "s" stands for secure.
4. Never use debit cards when transmitting information on the web, by using your debit/checking card you are giving away enough information for an identity thief to empty your bank account.
5. Never give out personal information if it does not make intuitive sense for this person to have it. Why should you give someone your phone number if they will never call you?
6. Make a set of personal rules. What information are you willing to share versus what are you not willing to share. Address information, home phone numbers, cell phone numbers, etc.
7. Never store credit card information on a website.
8. Never open or respond to unwanted email.
9. Create passwords that include both numbers, letters, and symbols. Do not use obvious passwords like your birthday or mother's maiden name.
10. Use one credit card exclusively for online shopping. That way if someone steals that credit card information you only have one to cancel.
11. If you use a shared computer at work, do not use that machine to fill out any online forms that require personal information.
12. Before posting electronic documents such as your resume online, make sure to delete any personal information you do not want exposed.
13. If you are giving away a computer completely erase the hard drive first. There are resources online that will make sure if the information on your hard drive is deleted. For windows there is Wizard Industries. And for macs there is Code Tek's Safeshred
What to do if you have been a victim?
Step 1 - Contact all financial institutions in writing and by phone (banks and credit card issuers).
- Close all credit and debit cards you believe an identity thief has gained access to.
- Put a stop payment on outstanding checks which may have been written without your permission.
- Open up new accounts with new pin numbers.
Step 2 - Report the fraud with the three main credit reporting companies to place a fraud alert on your credit file.
Step 3 - File a police report.
Step 4 - Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to report the situation. Other offices you may want to consider contacting include:
- Social Security Administration if you believe your SSN is being used.
- Internal Revenue Service
- Post Office
Additional Resources:
Colorado Attorney General
Department of Justice Identity Theft & Fraud
Federal Trade Commission
Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
Internet Fraud Complaint Center
CALPIRG - The Consumer Advocate
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