| FDIC references identity theft and identity fraud as "terms used to refer to all types of crime in which someone wrong fully obtains and uses another person's personal data in some way that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain. " They refer to such issues as your bank account or credit card number, your telephone calling card number, other valuable identifying data, but especially your Social Security Number (SSN). So what are some measures to protect yourself and what are some of the key issues involve?
Most of us are mindful of protecting our credit card numbers and pin numbers although billions are still stolen in this area every year. As MSNBC put it recently: "In the wrong hands, your ATM number can wreck your bank accounts, but a thief with your social security number can wreck your life." Some of their suggestions included:
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Don't give your Social Security number over the phone unless it is absolutely necessary. It's also a good idea to be frugal in providing your mother's maiden name, as that often is sought to verify your identity by banks and other financial institutions.
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Put a lock on your mailbox. If you can't, then empty your mailbox as soon as possible after the mail is delivered. And don't leave letters with personal information in the box for pickup by the mail carrier; drop them in at the post office or in a U.S. Postal Service box.
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Check your credit report at the three national credit bureaus at least once a year to make sure there's no unauthorized activity.
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Buy a paper shredder and use it when you're disposing of old financial records, including tax returns, or unwanted credit card offers.
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Don't leave printed receipts behind at bank machines or gas pumps.
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Don't put credit card or other personal information on a Web site that isn't secure.
If You Are a Victim
They also suggest that if you're a victim, there are a number of steps to take--and quickly--to prevent the identity thief from continuing to use your name and to begin fixing your credit record.
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Equifax Credit Information Services - Consumer Fraud Div., P.O. Box 105496 Atlanta, Georgia 30348-5496-- Tel: (800) 997-2493
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Experian P.O. Box 2104 Allen, Texas 75013-2104 Tel: (888) 397-3742
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Trans Union Fraud Victim Assistance Dept. P.O. Box 390, Springfield, PA 19064-0390 -- Tel: (800) 680-7289
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Contact all creditors, by phone and in writing, to inform them of the problem.
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Call your local police, who may be able to act under state consumer protect laws. If you suspect the mail was used, notify your local postmaster.
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Alert your bank so bank officials can contact you if there's any unusual activity. You might also request that your personal identification number, or PIN, be changed.
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Get in touch with the Federal Trade Commission, which is the national clearing house for complaints by victims of identity theft. If you think you've been a victim, call the FTC's identity theft hotline at 877-IDTheft.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the federal clearing house for complaints by victims of identity theft. Although the FTC does not have the authority to bring criminal cases, the Commission assists victims of identity theft by providing them with information to help them resolve the financial and other problems that can result from identity theft.
Besides some great tips and advice they offer a handy cut and paste form for you to fill out a personal guide with all your pertinent data on it. Keep it in a safe place and if your wallet is tragically ever lost or stolen you'll know who to call and what to say. When traveling, take along a similar list, but don't include account numbers or expiration dates.
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