Limit Damage from Identity Theft
Stolen Military Veterans Information Highlights High Risk of Modern Crime
Dover, DE - Delaware State Treasurer Jack Markell issued the following statement to Delaware veterans whose personal information may have been stolen from the home of an employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs:
"The theft of our veterans' personal information was an unconscionable act. The extent of the damage can not be known until the thieves are caught, but even then vigilance and precautions must be taken." Markell said.
The State Treasurer urges Delawareans to take the following two steps. First, consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file by calling one of the three credit reporting agencies (Equifax - 800/685-1111; TransUnion - 800/888-4213; Experian - 888/397-3742) and secondly, review your credit reports frequently to identify any inappropriate activity. If you do discover any unauthorized activity, call the companies involved.
Just as important, all Delawareans should remember that avoiding identity theft requires ongoing attention. The Office of the State Treasurer's Tomorrow's Money website provides specific information about preventing identity theft. For more information, please visit http://delaware.tomorrowsmoney.org/section.cfm/400/1853#protect.
"If Delawareans determine that they are the victim of identity theft and have ruled out mistakes and old information, it's important for them to contact their local police department and insist that the officer file a report," Markell said. "Your identity resides with you at your home. If someone steals your identity, it's vitally important to document that theft the same as if someone stole the family jewelry from your home."
Citizens are also encouraged to report any victimization to the Federal Trade Commissions national ID Theft clearing house. They can report to the FTC online at http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft and select "File a Complaint" at the top left of the web page. This page also provides resources and pre-formatted documents such as Identity theft affidavits and letters to creditors that consumers must file with the bill collectors and creditors when they are victimized.
The Tomorrow's Money information includes the following:
How To Protect Your Identity
First, don't give personal information, particularly your name and Social Security Number, to anyone that doesn't really need to know. Second, carry as little identification with you as possible. Third, secure the information you do carry with you.
Some specific additional steps you can take include:
Put your name on the national "Do Not Call" registry to reduce the telemarketing calls you get at home. To register, or to get information, visit www.donotcall.gov, or call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you want to register. It will stay in the registry for five years.
Write to the Direct Marketing Association (DMA) and ask them to remove you from their list. The DMA is required to send your request to their members. Your request means that DMA members will not mail or call you for 5 years.
DMA Mail Preference Service, P.O. Box 643, Carmel, NY 10512
DMA Telephone Preference Service, P.O. Box 1559, Carmel, NYU 10512
Or visit http://www.dmaconsumers.org
Remove your S.S.N. It's not necessary to have your Social Security number on every document. Take your Social Security number off your checks, take the card out of your wallet and store it safely at home, and if your driver's license i.d. number is your S.S.N. you can request an alternative number.
Get your credit report. Thanks to the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, by the end of 2005 every American will be able to obtain one free copy of their credit report each year. Your credit report is maintained by the three major credit bureaus - Experian, Equifax and TransUnion Corporation. Your credit report contains information on where you work and live, the credit accounts opened in your name, if you pay your bills on time, and if you have ever been arrested or if you have filed for bankruptcy. Make sure it's accurate. For more information on how you can obtain a copy of your credit report, visit the Annual Credit Reports website at http://www.annualcreditreport.com/.
Lock it up. Particularly if you have roommates or employ outside help that could have access to your personal records, you should consider getting a locked box or somehow securing personal information and files.
Tear it up. Get a paper shredder or at the very least, tear up mail solicitations, credit card receipts, billing statements, etc. before throwing away.
Watch your mailbox. Have someone take your mail in if you are going out of town or put a hold on your mail at your local post office until you return. Also send your mail out through a secured local mailbox, instead of in your personal home mailbox. Mail sitting in your mailbox is an easy target for identity thieves.
Leave home without it. If you haven't already, memorize your Social Security Number and leave the card at home. Also consider leaving your checkbook at home, or at the very least make sure your checkbook is secure while you're out. Thieves can write checks, draining your bank account quickly, but the law limits unauthorized credit card charges to $50 (meaning you will only have to pay $50 if someone fraudulently uses your card).
Create new passwords. While it may be easier to use the same password for every account, it just makes you an easier target for identity theft, particularly online theft. Avoid really obvious passwords like your spouse's name, children's names, and date of birth. Make your passwords "gibberish" (i.e. a nonsensical mix of numbers, symbols and letters). Remember to log off when you're finished using your computer.
Answer wisely. Don't give out any personal information over the phone. Ask the solicitor to send you something in the mail. If they're legitimate, and want your business, they will. You can also check up on the company online or through the Better Business Bureau.
Check your bank statements. Pay attention to your billing cycles. A missing credit card bill could mean an identity thief has taken over your account and changed your billing address to cover his tracks.
