Avoid Identity Theft (FTC)

Deter
-shred financial documents and paperwork with personal information before you discard them.
-protect your SSN. Don't carry your SS card in your wallet or write your SSN on a check. Give it out only if you absolutely necessary or ask to use another identifier.
-don't give out your personal information on the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet unless you know who you are dealing with.
-never click on links sent in unsolicited emails; instead, type in a web address you know. Use firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-virus software to protect your home computer; them them up-to-date.
-don't use an obvious password like your birth date, your mother's maiden name, or the last four digits of your SSN.
-keep your personal information in a safe place at home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or are having work done in your house.

Detect
-be alert to signs that require immediate attention:
--bills that do not arrive as expected
--unexpected credit cards or account statements
--denials or credit for no apparent reason
--calls or letters about purchases you did not make

-inspect your credit report (www.annualcreditreport.com)
-inspect your financial statements, looking for charges you did not make

Defend
-place a "fraud alert" on your credit reports and review the reports carefully.
--Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
--Experian: 1-888-397-3742
--TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
-look for inquiries from companies you haven't contacted, accounts you didn't open, and debts on your account that you can't explain.

-close accounts that have been tampered with or established fraudulently
--call the security or fraud departments of each company where an account was opened or charged without your okay. Follow up in writing, with copies of supporting documents.
--use the ID Theft Affidavit (ftc.gov/idtheft) to support your written statement.
--ask for verification that the disputed account has been closed and the fraudulent debts discharged.
--keep copies of documents and records of your conversations about the theft.

-file a police report to help you with creditors who may want proof of the crime.

-report the theft to the federal trade commission
--ftc.gov/idtheft
--1-877-438-4338

Common Ways ID Theft Happens
-dumpster diving
-skimming
-phishing
-changing your address
-"old-fashioned" stealing