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Photo: CORBIS |
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Protect Your Identity
No longer confined to sinister plots in books and movies, identity theft is the fastest-growing crime in the United States. An estimated 10 million Americans became victims in 2003, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Critical information-such as Social Security and credit card numbers-in the wrong hands can lead to thousands of dollars in losses and lots of heartache. Identity thieves look for information from sources such as bank and credit card statements and preapproval offers, personal information shared through the Internet and credit reports. Make yourself less vulnerable with the following tips: Keep mum, unless you initiated the contact. Ask how information will be used. You can always say no. Scrutinize bank accounts for suspicious activity; don't rely on banks to contact you. Guard your mailbox for preapproval offers, which are blank checks in the world of identity theft. Ask your bank not to share your information with any other financial institutions. Check your credit report for unauthorized changes. Request one from any of the three major credit reporting agencies [See Where to go for More Information] . Look for telltale signs such as address changes or an account you didn't open. Shred documents. Identity thieves often search through trash for personal information. Be vigilant at ATMs to protect your personal identification number (PIN). At ATMs, it only takes seconds for wandering eyes to discern your account and pin numbers. Store PIN numbers and passwords in a safe place or memorize them. Consider changing your access information every few months. Now, find out more information about protecting yourself from identity theft, or dealing with the aftermath if you fall victim to identity theft. |
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