Identity Theft Prevention
 

 What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft is the fraudulent use of another person’s identity for some type of gain. This usually takes the form of using another person’s identity to obtain credit or credit cards, steal money from bank accounts, apply for loans, obtain a job, rent an apartment, etc.

It’s really very easy!! All they need is your name, address, date of birth, social security number or credit card number. Once a thief has this information they can ruin your credit, drain your bank accounts and generally destroy your reputation. Where do they get this information? Basically, anytime that you give someone personal information, whether verbally or in writing, a potential thief can use the information for their own gain. Fortunately, reputable companies protect your information. Therefore you should only deal with companies that have an established reputation for honesty. If you deal with people or companies that are unknown to you, check them out thoroughly.

Take the following steps to ensure that you will not be the next victim of Identity Theft:

• Protect your social security number. Avoid, giving it out, and do not write your social security number on checks or other documents unless you’re sure it’s necessary.

• Don’t give personal information over the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet unless you have initiated the contact or know with whom you are dealing.

• Shred credit card offers, bank and credit card statements, and other personal documents before throwing away. "Dumpster divers" pick up information you may have thrown away, such as utility bills, credit card slips, and other documents.

• Protect incoming and outgoing mail. Pick mail up promptly, and deposit mail at the post office or in official blue mailboxes.

• Check your credit card status with the three major credit-reporting bureaus yearly.

• Deal only with companies that you know have good reputations.

• Review bank and credit card statements and report questionable charges.

• Take ATM, credit card and other receipts with you.

 If You Are a Victim ?

• Act immediately, call the Crime Prevention Unit, 480-858-6333.

• Notify the police, your bank, your credit card companies and the Fraud Unit at the credit bureaus.  Call the Fraud Unit of all major credit reporting agencies listed below.

Equifax - www.equifax.com, to report fraud, call: 1 (800) 525-6285/TDD 1 (800) 255-0056

Experian - www.experian.com, to report fraud, call: 1 (888) 397-3742/TDD 1 (800) 972-0322

TransUnion - www.transunion.com, to report fraud, call: 1 (800) 680-7289/TDD 1 (877) 553-7803

What Else You Can Do:

Check out information at www.endidtheft.com or www.dmaconsumers.org/consumerassistance.html

Remove your name from the telemarketer list by signing up at www.donotcall.gov or call 1 (888) 382-1222

Get a credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com .