Member Benefits>Identity Theft

Has My Identity Been Stolen?

Tips from Liz Picone, NEA Member Benefits Lpicone@neamb.com

Introduction

The 1990’s spawned a new variety of crooks called identity thieves.  Their stock in trade? Your everyday transactions, which usually reveal bits of your personal information:  your bank and credit card account numbers; your income; your Social Security number; or your name, address, and phone numbers.  An identity thief obtains some piece of your sensitive information and uses it without your knowledge to commit fraud or theft. 

Identity Theft is a serious crime.  People whose identities have been stolen can spend months or years cleaning up the mess the thieves have made of their good name and credit record.  Some victims have lost job opportunities, have refused loans for education, housing or cars, or have even been arrested for crimes they didn’t commit. 

Can you prevent identity theft from occurring?  As with any crime, you cannot completely control whether you will become a victim, but, according to the Federal Trade Commission, you can minimize your risk by managing your personal information cautiously and with heightened sensitivity.

Signs of Identity Theft

·        Unusual purchases on your credit cards

·        Being denied a loan you qualify for

·        Bank statements don’t agree with personal records

·        Unexplained changes in your bank access codes

·        Missing credit card bills or other mail

·        Unusual calls regarding your personal or financial information

·        Unexplained charges on phone or other consumer accounts

How to Minimize Your Risk

·        Shred all credit cards, bank and other financial statements.

·        Always use secure web sites for internet purchases.

·        Do not discuss financial matters on wireless or cell phones.

·        Write or call your Motor Vehicles Department to have your personal information protected from disclosure.

·        Do not use your mother’s name as a password on your credit cards.

·        Be wary of anyone calling to “confirm” personal information.

·        Thoroughly review all bank, credit card and phone statements for unusual activity.

·        Monitor when new credit cards, checks or ATM cards are being mailed to you and report any that are missing or late.

·        Close all unused credit and bank accounts, destroy old credit cards and shred unused credit card offers.

·        Remove your Social Security number from checks, driver’s licenses or other identification.

·        Always ask for the carbon papers of credit purchases.

·        Do not leave outgoing credit card payments in your mailbox.

·        Do not carry your Social Security card in your wallet.

·        Order your credit report once a year and look for anomalies.