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Identity Theft
8 Simple Ways to Protect Yourself
LifeLock CEO Todd Davis recommends these eight ways to avoid identity theft:
1. Place fraud alerts on your credit report.
Fraud alerts notify creditors they should take reasonable steps to verify your identity before issuing new lines of credit, etc. These alerts make it extremely difficult for thieves to use your information for financial gain. You should place fraud alerts with all three major credit reporting agencies.
NOTE: Alerts last 90 days and must be renewed regularly to be effective.
New Optional BenefitASU has partnered with LifeLock, an identity theft protection Become a LifeLock Member 1.800.LIFELOCK (543.3562) |
2. Order ALL THREE free credit reports.
Whether or not you are a victim of identity theft, be sure to get your free annual credit reports and check all of them for potential problems or inconsistencies. Be careful. Some companies promise a free credit report and then charge a fee. You DO NOT need to use a credit card to get your free report. Visit www.annualcreditreport.com to get yours.
3. Opt out of unsolicited credit card offers.
Not only are pre-approved offers annoying, they also present an easy opportunity for thieves. Opt out of pre-approved offers of credit at www.optoutprescreen.com. You may choose a five-year opt-out period or permanent opt-out status. This action will reduce the possibility of someone rifling through your mail and opening credit using your name.
4. Don’t let your mail sit in the mailbox.
Believe it or not, identity thieves still obtain information by stealing your mail. Junk mail, bank statements, bills, pre-approved credit offers and W-2s all contain the personal information a thief would need to impersonate you. Don’t give them the chance. Be sure to pick up your mail as soon as it’s delivered or have it delivered to a locked box.
5. Get a shredder--and USE IT.
All read mail should go through the shredder before you throw it away. Use a shredder on all of your personal documents to make it harder for an identity thief to steal your old mail.
6. Beware of unsolicited emails from the IRS or other government agencies.
The IRS recently reported it received more than 30,000 messages regarding fraudulent emails disguised as official IRS communications. By clicking on links contained in the email, not only are you directed to a fake IRS website that requests your personal and financial information, officials also fear that it may automatically download malicious software designed to steal your passwords and other account information.
How do you know what’s real and what’s not? To be safe, NEVER open unsolicited emails and NEVER provide your information when you receive an unsolicited email.
7. Protect your Social Security Number.
Don’t carry your Social Security card with you or give out your Social Security Number if it’s not necessary. If a business, doctor or financial institution asks for your SSN, ask why they need it and whether you can substitute another identifier.
8. Let experts protect you.
In reality, there are no 100% fail-safe methods that stop all identity theft. Credit monitoring only alerts you after someone has misused your identity. Many companies offer identity theft protection services. If you choose one of these companies, make sure they provide convenience, support, protection and a solid guarantee if you become a victim.
If your identity is compromised, file a police report immediately and also immediately notify all of your banks, creditors and document-issuing companies.