| It's everyone's nightmare-one day the phone rings and | | | | 6. If you bank online or pay credit cards online, change |
| someone gets the call from their bank's fraud division | | | | your passwords monthly and use a combination of |
| that someone had unauthorized access to a bank | | | | small and capital letters, numbers, and unique |
| account. You want to make sure nothing like that | | | | characters with your password. Also, if you are |
| happens (if it has not affected you already). It can | | | | banking online don't let your computer sit for a long |
| very difficult, almost impossible to get things back to | | | | time on your bank account. Get your banking business |
| the way they were financially if a criminal steals your | | | | done, log out, and exit the website. Better yet, close |
| identity. Don't let it happen to you. | | | | the page after you complete the task. |
| What should you do so you can block identity theft? | | | | 7. Get a good security system for your computer that |
| 1. Well, first of all get a copy of your credit report and | | | | protects your email and accounts, such as McAfee or |
| go over all the information on your credit report. Many | | | | Norton. Don't allow your computer to be without |
| credit reports have some wrong information that | | | | protection. |
| needs to be corrected. If there are any unusual | | | | 8. Do not, I repeat, do not give out any financial |
| discrepancies or false information, you must contact | | | | information if your bank claims to be calling you and |
| the credit reporting agency. They will have a special | | | | asking for personal information. Instead, ask for their |
| procedure for you to contact them. | | | | phone number so you can call them back. If you are |
| Some states such as California, New Jersey, Louisiana, | | | | really in doubt, hang up---then call your bank and ask |
| Texas, Vermont, Washington, Nevada, Connecticut, | | | | them if they called for information. Never give out |
| Illinois, Maine, North Carolina and Colorado can freeze | | | | information such as social security numbers or private |
| your credit report or place it under lockdown. This | | | | financial information to anyone on the phone or online. |
| means that no one, even someone who stole your | | | | 9. If you get an email from what seems like your bank |
| financial information or identity can have access to | | | | asking for you to update your account information, |
| your credit report. It also means that no one can open | | | | ignore it. You can call your bank and ask them about |
| credit cards or get loans in your name. When under | | | | this email. Most likely, it was fraudulent as many online |
| lockdown, your credit file is not available to potential | | | | crooks try to "phish" for personal and financial |
| lenders, insurers and even potential employers. You | | | | information through emails. Don't get tempted and do it. |
| can however, get it temporarily unlocked to have a | | | | It's not worth it--keep in mind most the fraudulent |
| future employer or insurer look at your credit report. | | | | emails can look exactly like your bank's official email, |
| Find out more information by contacting the three | | | | using a fake email address with your bank's name in |
| credit unions, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion and | | | | the address. |
| they will inform you of your state's laws regarding | | | | 10. If your identity has been stolen, file a "Fraud Alert" |
| freezing your credit report. | | | | to Place a "Fraud Alert" on your credit reports, and |
| 2. This is easy: call the local Police and explain what | | | | review those reports carefully. Notifying one of the |
| happened. You do not want to be liable for some | | | | three nationwide consumer reporting companies is |
| crime by someone who has your Driver's license. Even | | | | enough to notify them of your identity or credit card |
| if nothing happens, they will have a record of your | | | | theft. |
| stolen property or identity theft. | | | | 11. If you suspect your bank account was violated by a |
| 3. Report the problem with the FTC by filling out its | | | | thief, then go to your bank and immediately close it. |
| online complaint form, or you can use the commission's | | | | Start a new bank account so you can transfer your |
| theft hot line toll-free at (877) ID-THEFT, or write to | | | | funds from your old bank account. If you bank online, |
| Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade | | | | change your bank account user name and password |
| Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, | | | | after you open your new account. |
| DC 20580. | | | | 12. If your identity was stolen, keep copies of all |
| 4. Don't carry your Social Security Card with you. | | | | documents regarding the matter and make a record |
| Leave it home. And better yet, if you need to use it for | | | | of all conversations regarding the identity theft. You |
| some reason, learn to memorize it. | | | | may need to have the information in the weeks ahead. |
| 5. Invest in a shredder because it's worth it to have the | | | | Remain protective and proactive so that your banking |
| peace of mind. Shred all your credit card receipts, as | | | | information, personal information, and your identity will |
| well as monthly bills. The less someone knows about | | | | be safe. Remember that many criminals are always |
| you and your finances, the better. If you don't have a | | | | thinking of new ways to steal money from people, so |
| shredder, don't make any excuses not to have one. | | | | stay on guard! |
| They are worth it in the long run. | | | | |