Idenity Theft
TIPS TO AVOID IDENTITY THEFT
·
Do not give out personal information on the
phone, through the mail or over the Internet unless you’ve initiated the
contact or are sure you know who you’re dealing with.
·
Be skeptical of e-mail requests for personal
information, especially when they come from companies that should already
have the information. Identity thieves may pose as representatives of
banks, Internet service providers (ISPs) and even government agencies to
get you to reveal your SSN, mother’s maiden name, account numbers and
other identifying information.
·
Do not click on links in suspicious e-mails;
instead, you should contact the company directly by phone or through a Web
site or e-mail address known to be authentic.
·
Make sure an Internet connection is secure --
with an icon of a lock visible on the Web browser -- before submitting
personal information.
To reduce
or minimize the risk of becoming a victim of identity theft or fraud, just
remember the word "SCAM":
S
Be stingy about giving out your personal information to others
unless you have a reason to trust them
C Check
your financial information regularly, and look for what should be there
and what shouldn't
A
Ask periodically for a copy of your credit report
M Maintain
careful records of your banking and financial accounts