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Identity theft is a serious crime.
It occurs when your personal information is stolen and used
without your knowledge to commit fraud or other crimes. ID
Theft can cost you money and destroy your credit.
Safeguard your
information
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Shred financial documents and
paperwork with personal information before you throw them away.
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Protect your Social Security number.
Don't carry it with you, and only give it out if absolutely
necessary, or as to use another form of identification.
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Don't give out personal information
over the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet unless
you are 100% sure of the person/business you are dealing with.
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E-mail Phishing.
Never click on links in unsolicited emails. Instead, type
in the web address that you know. Use firewalls, anti-spyware,
and anti-virus software to protect your home computer... and
keep them up-to-date.
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Don't use an obvious password like
your birth date, mother's maiden name, or the last 4 digits of
your social security or phone number.
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Keep your personal information in a
secure place at home, especially if you have roommates or employ
outside help. Also remember this when you are having work
done in your home.
Signs of
Identity Theft
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Bills do not arrive as expected.
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Unexpected credit cards or account
statements arrive at your home.
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You are denied credit for no
apparent reason.
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You receive calls or letters about
purchases that you didn't make.
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Check your credit report. The
law now requires the major credit reporting agencies to give you
a free copy of your credit report each year... but only if you
ask for it. Visit
www.annualcreditreport.com to order a free copy of your
credit report once per year. While this report will not
show you your credit score, you will be able to monitor any
accounts you may not have opened.
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Review your financial statements and
billing statements regularly. Check for charges that you
may not have made.
What to do if you suspect Identity Theft?
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Place a "fraud alert" on your credit
reports. This alert will tell creditors to follow certain
procedures before they open any new accounts in your name or
make changes to your existing accounts. You can call any
one of the credit reporting agencies to place an initial 90-day
fraud alert. Equifax 800-525-6285. Experian
888-397-3742. TransUnion 800-680-7289.
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Close any accounts that have been
tampered with or have been established by someone other than
yourself. Call the security or fraud department of each
company, and follow up in writing with copies of supporting
documents. Use the ID Theft Affidavit at
www.ftc.gov/idtheft to support your written statement.
Ask for verification the the disputed account has been closed
and the fraudulent debts discharged. KEEP COPIES of all
documents and records of your conversations about the theft.
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File a police report. Some
creditors may want proof of the crime.
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Report the ID Theft to the Federal
Trade Commission. This report will help investigators
across the country with other investigations. You can do
this online at
www.ftc.gov/idtheft.
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Click here
to watch a 3-minute educational video on how Identity Thieves can
obtain your information.
Learn about traditional
methods such as dumpster diving, and how the thieves use technology
to trick you into giving them your information.
*A
project from the New York State Credit Union Foundation, The Credit
Union Association of New York, and the Credit Union National
Association. To learn more, visit www.nycuf.org. By clicking the
link above, you will be leaving GPO's website.
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