| It's no secret that identity theft has become a | | | | initiated the contact or you personally know the |
| major problem in this country. Last year alone, | | | | person you're dealing with. Legitimate banks and |
| more than 9.9 million Americans fell victim to this | | | | other businesses will not call or email you |
| devastating crime. And it can be devastating. | | | | requesting your personal account information. |
| Identity theft occurs when someone acquires key | | | | When you receive a request for your account |
| pieces of your personal information with the intent | | | | information (whether it's a bank account, a credit |
| to commit fraud. Most commonly, they use this | | | | card account, or even a PayPal or eBay account), |
| information to open new credit accounts and run | | | | red flags should go up. |
| up huge debts. However, this is not the only use | | | | Always guard your PIN (personal identification |
| of stolen personal information. It can also be used | | | | number) at ATMs. |
| by someone looking to immigrate illegally, carry | | | | Sadly, you shouldn't leave outgoing mail in your |
| out terrorist activities, assume a new identity, or | | | | home mailbox for pickup. Either take the mail to |
| even to blackmail you or someone in your sphere | | | | the post office or drop it off at a secure postal |
| of relationships. | | | | mailbox. |
| How does a thief gain access to your identity? | | | | Never carry your Social Security card in your |
| While most people believe their greatest exposure | | | | wallet. If you have to carry credit cards in your |
| to theft is through the Internet, experts say your | | | | purse or wallet, as most of us do, keep them to |
| mailbox (where thieves can obtain account | | | | a minimum. Preferably a single card. |
| statements, new checks and credit offers) and | | | | Never use your credit card on the Internet unless |
| your garbage are the easiest ways criminals can | | | | you're initiating the purchase and it's done through |
| access your personal information. The theft of | | | | a secure connection. You can quickly identify a |
| your purse or wallet is also common. And then | | | | secure connection by checking for "https" in the |
| there're those situations in which you willingly give | | | | URL or the lock icon in the corner of the screen. |
| out information over the phone (to someone who | | | | Keep a list of your credit card and bank account |
| calls with a great offer) or over the Internet in | | | | numbers in a secure location, such as a locked |
| response to a fraudulent email (commonly | | | | safe or a safety deposit box. |
| referred to as "phishing"). | | | | Always shred personal documents. This includes all |
| Once a thief has your information, he generally | | | | those credit card offers you receive in the mail, |
| has weeks (even months) before you become | | | | old account statements, billing statements, credit |
| aware that there's a problem. In fact, it may not | | | | card statements, etc. And use a double-cut |
| become evident until you suddenly start receiving | | | | shredder to be on the safe side. You can pick one |
| bills for revolving accounts you never set up, in | | | | up at nearly any office supply store for under |
| towns you never visited, for items you never | | | | $40.00. |
| purchased. By this time, your credit report has | | | | Keep track of your bank and credit card |
| become peppered with new accounts that you | | | | statements. Make sure they arrive every month |
| had no idea existed. | | | | and monitor them for any unusual activity. If a bill |
| Once that happens, it's a nightmare trying to undo | | | | doesn't show up, it can be an indication that |
| the damage. | | | | someone has set up a change of address without |
| However, there are ways to be proactive and | | | | your knowledge. |
| protect yourself. For instance, most credit card | | | | Order a credit report from all three agencies |
| companies offer services that will monitor your | | | | (Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian) twice per |
| account for unusual activity, notify you | | | | year, review them, and compare them carefully. |
| immediately if there's a problem, and protect you | | | | If you discover any fraudulent entries immediately |
| from the fraudulent charges. The three leading | | | | contact each agency, explain the situation and |
| credit reporting agencies in the United States: | | | | follow the proper procedures to correct the |
| Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian, each offer | | | | problem. |
| monitoring services as well (although that's all they | | | | Identity theft is on the rise throughout the United |
| do ... monitor and inform). | | | | States, but that doesn't mean it has to happen to |
| There are other ways you can help minimize your | | | | you. Take a few diligent precautions and your |
| potential risk as well: | | | | chances of never becoming a victim increase |
| Never share your banking information, particularly | | | | dramatically. |
| your personal password, with anyone unless you | | | | |