How to Prevent Identity Theft

Guide Note

It is estimated that 9 million Americans are victims of identity theft every year. By following a few simple steps, you can significantly reduce your chances of having your identity stolen.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Social Security Number
• Mail and Documents
• Online Sessions
• Passwords and PINs
• Credit and Reporting
• More Prevention Tips
• Conclusion
• References

Preventing Identity Theft Tips

1. Don't carry around your Social Security card.
2. Shred any mail or documents containing personal information before throwing it away.
3. Don't leave outgoing bills in your mailbox to be picked up.
4. Don't click on links in unsolicited emails or pop-up ads.
5. Protect your computer with updated firewall, anti-spyware and anti-virus software.
6. Don't use easy-to-decode passwords or PIN numbers such as your mother's maiden name or birth date.
7. Get a free credit report from each of the reporting agencies every year.
8. Opt out of pre-approved credit offers.

Disclaimer

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional financial or legal advice.

• by Lynn Truong

Introduction

• The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) estimates that 9 million Americans are victims of identity theft every year.¹ Identity thieves steal personal information to commit crimes with another person's name. Victims are often unaware their identity has been stolen until they are denied loans, credit or job opportunities. Taking precautions to prevent identity theft is the best way to avoid becoming a victim.

Step 1: Protect Your Social Security Number

(Creative Commons photo by Andrew Ratto)

• Your Social Security number gives others access to your credit report and allows creditors to open accounts under your name. Protecting your Social Security number is extremely important.

1. Don't give it out unless you have to.
2. Don't carry your Social Security card unless you have to use it that day.¹
3. Store your Social Security card in a safe and secure place at home or in a safety deposit box.
4. Ask companies that use your Social Security number as your policy ID to change it.
   • For example, some states use a Social Security number as a Driver's License number. In addition, some health insurance or medical facilities will use a patient's Social Security number as a case number.¹ Ask that these agencies to use an alternative.

Step 2: Secure Your Mail And Documents

(Creative Commons photo by Erin and Lance Willett)

• One method identity thieves use to get personal information is by going through garbage and recycling bins.

1. Promptly remove mail from your mailbox.
2. Have your Post Office hold your mail while you are on vacation.²
3. Shred anything that has personal information on it, including charge receipts, account statements, insurance forms, pre-approved credit offers and expired credit cards.³
   • Get a shredder that crosscuts so thieves can't piece it back together.
   • If you don't have a shredder, rip up the mail and throw the pieces in separate containers or bags.
4. Use a locked PO box to receive sensitive tax or financial information.³
5. Don't leave outgoing bills in your mailbox to be picked up—bring them to a post office or drop in a secure mailbox. Identity thieves can take the checks you've written and "wash" them, replacing the payee and/or amount so they can cash it anywhere.⁴

Step 3: Protect Your Online Sessions

(Creative Commons photo by William Ward)

• A common way thieves get personal information is through unsecured internet connections, phishing scams or unprotected communications.

1. Don't click on links contained in unsolicited emails or pop-up ads.⁵ Many identity thieves send "phishing" emails where they pretend to be a financial institution or agency asking you to provide personal information to update or verify your account.⁵
2. Type the URL in the address line instead of clicking on links.
3. Make sure your computer is protected with updated firewall, anti-spyware and anti-virus software.
4. Look for security indicators on websites such as the lock icon on the status bar or a URL that begins with "https."⁵
5. If you are shopping online, make sure the company is reputable and secure before submitting an order with your personal information.

Step 4: Create Secure Passwords and PINs

• Do not use identifying or easy-to-decode passwords and PINs.

1. Use a combination of letters, numbers and symbols.⁶
2. Avoid common words.
3. Do not use your birth date or last four numbers of your Social.⁶
4. Do not keep your PIN number or passwords in your wallet or purse.
5. Do not share your passwords over email or phone.
6. Watch out for "shoulder surfers" who are trying to see your account balance and PIN while you're at the ATM or on public computers.³

Step 5: Monitor Your Credit

(Creative Commons photo by Ingrid)

• Checking your statements and credit report can catch identity theft early.

1. Review the charges on your account when you receive your statements.
2. Cancel credit cards you don't use so you have less accounts to keep track of.
3. Get a free credit report from each of the three reporting agencies every year.
4. If your identity has been stolen or you believe it has been compromised, consider placing either a credit freeze or fraud alert on your credit report.³
   • A credit freeze prevents creditors and third parties from being able to access your credit report.³ This makes it difficult for identity thieves to open accounts under your name. Laws governing who and when a credit freeze can be placed on a credit report vary state to state.³
   • A fraud alert allows businesses to check your credit report, but you will be contacted to verify your identity before a line of credit can be established.³

Step 6: More Prevention Tips

• Here are additional tips to help prevent identity theft.

1. Opt out of pre-approved credit by contacting OptOutPrescreen.
2. Know who you are giving information out to. Identity thieves will sometimes call your home, posing as a representative from a financial institution or government agency asking for your personal information.³
3. Protect your purse and wallet at all times, and only carry things you need. Be careful not to walk away from your desk or car without securing your belongings or bringing them with you.³
4. Keep a list of all your accounts in case your wallet or purse gets stolen. It is essential to contact your creditors and agencies as quickly as possible.³

Conclusion

• By being more aware of your surroundings and monitoring your credit, you can lessen the chances of becoming a victim of identity theft. Victims often spend months, even years and hundreds of dollars clearing their name.⁷

• If you suspect that your identity has been compromised, visit Mahalo's Guide on How to Recover from Identity Theft for advice on where to begin rebuilding your financial and legal records.

References for How to Prevent Identity Theft

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2} Federal Trade Commission: About Identity Theft
2. ↑ About.com: Vacation Time: Protecting Yourself From Identity Theft
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9} Federal Trade Commission: Minimize Your Risk of Identity Theft
4. ↑ Identity Theft Resource Center: Check Washing
5. ↑ ^{5.0 5.1 5.2} OnGuard Online: Stop. Think. Click. 7 Practices for Safer Computing
6. ↑ ^{6.0 6.1} BBC News: What makes a good password?
7. ↑ USA Today: Act now to prevent identity theft