What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft occurs when someone obtains important personal information, such as your social security, banking or credit card account numbers, to commit fraud on theft.

How would someone gain access to that information if I did not give it to them?

They may obtain bits of information by sorting through trash for discarded receipts and statements, spying for your PIN number at ATM machines or telephone booths, accessing public records, and even stealing from your mailbox.

What can I do to reduce the chances that this may happen to me?

Don't carry extra credit cards, your social security card, birth certificate or passport in your wallet or purse, except when needed.

What about information that may be "out there"?

You may take the following steps- remove your name from the marketing lists of the three credit reporting bureaus.

• 1.CSC Credit Services (Equifax Regional Office)
  P.O. Box 674402
  Houston, TX 77267-4402
  1-800-759-5979

• 2.Experian (TRW)
  P.O. Box 919
  Allen, TX 75013
  1-800-353-0809

• 3.Trans Union
  P.O. Box 97328
  Jackson, MS 39738
  1-800-680-7293

This will limit the number of pre-approved offers of credit you receive in the mail.

When in transit or tossed into the garbage, such solicitations are a potential target of identity thieves who use them to order credit cards in your name.

Order your credit report once a year from each of the major credit bureaus to check for inaccuracies and fraudulent use of your account.

Remove your name and address from mailing & telephone lists through the Direct Marketing Association Mail Preference Service & Telephone Preference Service. This service is free and available for individuals, not businesses.

You will be removed from the Direct Marketing Association Member lists for five years. The addresses are as follows:

• 1. Direct Marketing Association
  Mail Preference Service
  P.O. Box 9008
  Farmingdale, NY 11735-9008

• 2. Direct Marketing Association
  Telephone Preference Services
  P.O. Box 9014
  Farmingdale, NY 11735-9014

Remove your name and address from the telephone book, reverse directories, and city directories. By eliminating your name from these sources, you can reduce access to your personal information from places like the Internet (which mainly use public information resources as a database), telemarketers, and identity thieves.

Install a locked mailbox at your residence to reduce mail theft, or use a post office box.

Remove "extra" information from your checks, such as your social security number, assigned drivers license number, middle name and telephone number. Do not have checks sent to your home address, pick them at the bank instead.

Because of increased risk of theft and vandalism, it is best to mail bills and other sensitive items at the post office, rather than from your residence.

Credit Cards

Reduce the number of credit cards you actively use to a bare minimum. Carry only one or two of them in your wallet.

Keep a list or photocopy of all credit cards, account numbers, expiration dates and telephone numbers of the customer service and fraud departments in a secure place (not in your wallet or purse) so you can quickly contact your creditors in case your cards have been lost or stolen with your bank accounts.

Never give out your credit card number or other personal information over the telephone unless you have a trusted business relationship with the company and you have initiated the call.

Always take credit card and ATM receipts with you. Never toss them in a public trash container.

Request in writing, that the issuer for each of your credit cards, remove your name from their marketing and promotional lists which they may sell or share with other companies.

Be very careful before you use a credit card on the Internet or provide personal information on an electronic application.