Identity Theft Gov
How to protect against identity theft
Protecting yours and your family's information involves constant
vigilance and a certain amount of online and electronic savvy in releasing information.
Because millions of consumers are especially vulnerable while
shopping online, experts recommend installing both a firewall and reputable anti-virus protection that
regularly updates, so that the computer is protected against the latest phishing and hacking schemes.
The Identity Theft Resource Center likens remaining online without
these safeguards to leaving your home unlocked with a "Welcome Thieves" banner hung across its front. When
shopping online, consumers should use only Web sites that offer multiple encryption and protection
features.
Microsoft cautions online shoppers to use secure servers that
feature a padlock icon on the browser's lower right side and/or the "https" prefix in its address.
The FTC outlines its consumer defense strategy in a pamphlet called
"Deter, Detect, Defend." They recommend that consumers should remain vigilant concerning the arrival of their
bills and watch for inconsistencies in credit card statements or financial histories.
All credit card statements, as well as free credit card offers,
should be shredded before getting thrown out. Social security cards and extra credit cards should not be
carried in the wallet or purse.
Consumers should also annually check their credit reports. Under
federal law, the three major credit reporting companies – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – must furnish one
credit report each year to consumers who request them. Inconsistencies on the credit report will often point
to instances of credit card theft or misuse. Consumers can request a report by writing to:
Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281
A free copy of the FTC's "Deter, Detect, Defend" brochure, with many other protection tips, is available online
at www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/idtheft/idt01.shtm.
What to do if you think you're a victim
The Better Business Bureau reports that one of the leading
misconceptions regarding identity theft is the public's sense of helplessness. In truth, consumers detect just
47% - less than half – of identity theft and fraud themselves. The rest learn their identities were stolen by
collection agencies, credit card companies, and even the police.
The FTC suggests that consumers who believe they may be a victim of
identity theft should first contact one of the three credit bureaus and request a fraud alert be placed on
their credit records. The alert is good for 90 days. Upon receiving a credit report, consumers should
carefully review and audit their records to search for fraudulent expenses. Any accounts that have been
tampered with or that are suspected of tampering should be closed immediately.
Consumers should then file a complaint with the FTC, either at
www.ftc.gov/idtheft or by calling 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338). The FTC
will have them fill out an ID Theft Affidavit as a means of quickly reporting the identity theft to many
different credit organizations.
Consumers should also file an Identity Theft Report with their
local police, which can block fraudulent information from appearing on updated credit reports. They can also
block agencies from attempting to collect debts resulting from the identity theft. Finally, the Identity Theft
Report is necessary to place an extended fraud alert on credit reports.
The Identity Theft Reports must contain specific information about
the identity theft. Consumers should bring copies of the FTC's Identity Theft Complaint and ID Theft Affidavit
to the police office when filling out the report. The Department of Justice recommends contacting the
following federal agencies as well:
- For mail tampering or theft, fill out and return the Postal Inspection Service's fraud reporting form at
http://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/forms/idtheft.aspx;
- The Internal Revue Service is available at 1-800-829-1040 for help with information related to identity theft
and tax records;
- The Social Security Administration has an online form available at https://www.socialsecurity.gov/oig/public_fraud_reporting/form.htm
to help consumers whose Social Security card or number has been stolen or used in fraudulent activities.
Finally, victims can also contact the Identity Theft Resource
Center at victims@idtheftcenter.org or by calling its Victim
Assistance Center at (858) 693-7935. The ITRC will offer a variety of assistance and strategies for dealing
with the theft and its fallout.
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