| According to a recent poll by Experian, one in five | | | | you are the account holder; if not verbally cancel |
| Americans has reported they have experienced | | | | the account and follow up with a written letter. |
| some form of identity theft. If it happens to you, | | | | * If youre being denied credit, or your credit card |
| and your identity is stolen, you might be in for a | | | | terms are suddenly being changed to higher |
| lengthy hassle that could cost you your credit | | | | interest terms, for no obvious reason. |
| rating and leave a permanent blight on your | | | | * Youre suddenly getting phone calls and letters |
| financial records. | | | | from creditors about purchases you did not make. |
| How Credit Card Theft Starts | | | | How to Protect Your Credit Information |
| Thieves start by targeting your personal | | | | The best protection is constant awareness of the |
| information: Social security numbers, bank | | | | use of your credit information. Choose your |
| statements, tax reports, credit card debit | | | | passwords carefully. Avoid using any easily |
| information and passwords, or even your | | | | available information, such as your mothers |
| checkbook. Dont leave this valuable information | | | | maiden name, your birth date, the last four digits |
| lying around at your office, or in your car. Be | | | | of your SS#, or your phone number. If you must |
| aware that you are leaving a door open for | | | | use this type of identifier in opening an account, |
| anyone to get access to your bank account or | | | | request a password change immediately after |
| credit card information. Question anyone who | | | | opening the account before it slips your mind. |
| asks for your credit information, including | | | | Secure your credit information at all times, even |
| employers; find out what their privacy policy is | | | | around your house--if youre having work done on |
| and get a copy of it. Shred all documents no | | | | your home, or if youre having a big party, or |
| matter how insignificant they may seem to you. | | | | your roommate brings home guests. Dont give |
| In addition, dont ever lend your credit card to | | | | out any information unless you know exactly how |
| ANYONE, including family members, unless you | | | | it will be used and by whom. |
| are willing to take on their debt personally. Many | | | | The Best Defense for Your Credit Security: |
| family arguments have ended up in court with | | | | Stay vigilant. Review your credit card statements |
| bitter feelings from one time casual credit card or | | | | every month, and question any suspected |
| debit card lending that got out of hand. When you | | | | purchases by contacting your credit card issuer |
| apply for a credit card, be certain that their online | | | | directly. If you suspect an unauthorized purchase, |
| application is secured, and the privacy notice is | | | | send a letter to your credit card issuer detailing |
| posted. | | | | the item in question and any reference numbers. |
| Spotting Signs of Identity Theft | | | | The credit card issuer is required to investigate |
| * If youve frequently been missing your credit | | | | your claim and report back to you, in writing, of |
| card bill, or your mail keeps getting lost contact | | | | their findings. You can also request a free annual |
| the post office immediately. If you live in an | | | | monitoring report from each of the major |
| apartment complex , find out from your | | | | consumer reporting agencies: Experian, Equifax |
| superintendent or manager if you can change | | | | and TransUnion. A recent amendment to the Fair |
| your mailbox key. A missing bill could mean that | | | | Credit Reporting Act requires that these credit |
| an identity theft has occurred and the billing | | | | reporting companies provide these reports to you |
| address has been changed. | | | | at your request, every 12 months. |
| * If youre suddenly getting credit cards (not just | | | | Its your credit. Protect it! |
| a credit card offer) from companies that you | | | | Copyright 2005 Ed Vegliante. |
| didnt apply. Call these companies and find out if | | | | |