The FTC estimates 9 million people have their identities stolen each year. Identity theft comes in many forms. All it takes is a stolen credit card, bank account number or driver’s license -- or similar personal information -- and you can be out hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.
Identity theft can lead to negative information on your credit report, it can be the reason you’re denied a car loan or home mortgage, and in some cases, it can be the reason you don’t get the job. The thief can be a stranger, but oftentimes is someone you know.
The best way to find out if you are a victim of identity theft is to regularly monitor your credit card and bank statements and to request free credit reports annually. If your identity is stolen, immediately file a police report, which entitles you to certain legal rights when it is provided to the three major credit reporting agencies or to companies where the thief misused your information.
Preventing ID theft is not difficult. Do not carry personal information, such as Social Security cards, with you. Shred all financial documents that you are finished with, including credit card, bank and utility statements. Do not leave mail in an unsecure mailbox for pickup and promptly remove mail when it is delivered.
On the Internet, do not provide personal information at unsecure Web sites. Look for “https://” in the URL, which indicates the site is secure. (No “s” at the http: and it is not). Also look for the closed lock symbol. Use intricate passwords and change them often. Be aware of phishing e-mails seeking to get personal information. Phishing e-mails request that you update personal information for continued access to your account. Your financial institution, ISP and others have the information they need and will not ask for it to be updated.
More information about ID theft is available online at
wynco.bbb.org and
www.ftc.gov. Contact information for the three credit reporting agencies is:
www.equifax.com,
www.experian.com and
www.transunion.com.