Helpful Tips

About Identity Theft

Identity theft occurs when your personal information is stolen and used without your knowledge to commit fraud or other crimes. Identity theft can cost you time and money, ruining your credit and your good name.

Protect Your Identity by Safeguarding Your Information

• Shred financial documents and paperwork with personal information before you dispose of them.
• Do not give out personal information over the telephone, through the mail, or internet, unless you know who you are dealing with.
• Protect your Social Security number. Don’t carry your Social Security card with you or write it on your checks.
• Don’t use obvious passwords like your birth date, your mother’s maiden name, or last four digits of your Social Security number.
• Keep your personal information in a secure place at home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or are having work done in your house.
• Review financial accounts and billing statements regularly, looking for charges you did not make.
• Place a Fraud Alert on your credit reports and review the reports carefully.
• The three national consumer reporting companies are:
• Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
• Experian: 1-888-397-3742
• TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289