Identity Theft

A crime of the future, ID Theft, is running rampant. With the surging popularity of Internet shopping, ID Theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the world! There are many ways that your identity can be stolen. We've put together some basic information on how to protect yourself, but the Federal Trade Comission provides the best information.

Click HERE for the FTC's ID Theft website.

Click HERE for the FTC's Holiday Shopping Tip website.

How to protect yourself:

Leave your Social Security card at home. This is the single most valuable piece of information you can lose. With this information a thief can ruin your life in minutes.

Shred junk mail and bills. Get rid off all of those unwanted credit applications and bills that you don't plan on saving the safe way, shred them! If you have a fireplace you may consider using them as kindling. Do NOT just throw them in the trash or recycling bin.

Order from secure online vendors. Make sure you know and trust an online reseller before you purchase from them. Be very wary of websites that are not "secure" or ask for abnormal information like your SSN just to buy a T-Shirt.

Keep an eye on your purse/wallet. ID theft still primarily results from lost or stolen billfolds and purses. If you can, keep your wallet, ID, credit cards, etc... in a front pants pocket. This way if a purse or wallet is stolen, they might only get a few dollars and some family photos.

Watch register clerks like a hawk. The practice of "skimming" is where an individuals swipes your card through a reader in order to obtain information off your credit card instead of charging it. This information is then sold or used to make fraudulent purchases on YOUR CARD! If possible use card swiping stations that are positioned for the customer, instead of handing your card over.

Never give your ATM card or PIN number out. Everyone has done it. A co-worker stops at the bank on the way to get lunch for the office. It is HIGHLY recommended to never give out your PIN number. If you must, change it as soon as possible.

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