It seems like each day, the news brings us another account of widespread identity theft. Companies in the news this week for identity breaches include the online extramarital dating website Ashley Madison and the premier identity protection company LifeLock itself which has come under fire for improper protection practices.
Cyber attacks and data breaches have many of us on edge and worried
about identity theft.
According
to a recent survey by MasterCard, 77 percent of Americans are
anxious about their financial information and Social Security numbers being
stolen or compromised. Recovering from Identity Theft could cost thousands
of dollars and countless hours to repair the damage.
Consumer Credit Counseling Service has
gathered some quick tips for consumers to protect their identities:
5 TIPS – KEEPING YOUR ID SAFE IN PUBLIC
·Before
you leave your house, take out any credit cards from your wallet or purse that
you know you will not be using.
·Copy
the front and back information on your card, so you have contact information
quickly in case your card is stolen.
·Do
not carry your Social Security card with you. That number is vital in opening
new credit accounts.
·Watch
where you leave your card when you shop. Don't leave your credit card on the
counter with people around. A simple click of a camera phone or good memory can
capture your name, card number and expiration date. A thief can then use that
number instantly to buy goods online.
·Keep
your receipts in your purse or wallet, not in the bag. This will make it easier
to track your purchases to your credit card bill or bank statement and also
help you to stay within your budget.
QUICK TIPS
HELP PREVENT IDENTITY THEFT
·Shred credit card
applications, don't throw in trash.
·Be aware of your online
surroundings.
·Inspect ATM machines and
any other devices you may insert your debit card in to. If you suspect the card
reader has been tampered with, avoid use and report to the authorities.
Identity Thieves place “skimming devices” in these machines to read and steal
your card information.
·Initiate the transaction
online.
·In the store, keep your
card close-by, always double-check that you have it when you leave.
·Read your credit card
statement carefully each month.
·Watch your mail for any
questionable credit applications (different address, name variation).
·Contact
the three credit bureaus and tell them that you have been a victim of identity
theft.
Consumer Credit Counseling Service has also listed
some tips on what to do if you become a victim of identity theft:
·Contact
your creditors directly and ask to speak to someone in the security department.
Freeze the existing account. (Contact information below)
·Contact
local law enforcement and get a police report. This will serve as documentation
that a crime has occurred.
Equifax fraud division
800-525-6285
Experian fraud division
888-397-3742
Trans Union fraud division
800-680-7289
For
more information on how you can keep your Identity protected and to get help
reviewing and understanding your credit reports, contact a certified credit
counselor at Consumer Credit Counseling Service at 712-2060 or http://www.consumercreditbuffalo.org/index.php.
I sure could've used some of these tips a few years ago... but oh well, live and learn! I can safely say I'll never been a victim of identity theft again :)
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