IdentityTheftSolutionTips
Question: I have a friend who’s a victim of identity theft. This has caused a lot of problems for him, including issues with his Social Security, his credit rating, etc. What can I do to protect myself?
Answer: Identity theft is a problem, to be sure. It can happen to anyone. However, with some care, you can reduce the chance that this will happen to you. Here are some suggestions from usa.gov on how to protect your identity:
oDon’t carry your Social Security card in your wallet or write it on your checks. Only give out your SSN when absolutely necessary.
Rob Stemple
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oProtect your PIN. Never write a PIN on a credit/debit card or on a slip of paper kept in your wallet.
oWatch out for “shoulder surfers.” Use your free hand to shield the keypad when using pay phones and ATMs.
oCollect mail promptly. Ask the post office to put your mail on hold when you are away from home for more than a day or two.
oPay attention to your billing cycles. If bills or financial statements are late, contact the sender.
oKeep your receipts. Ask for carbons and incorrect charge slips as well. Promptly compare receipts with account statements. Watch for unauthorized transactions.
oTear up or shred unwanted receipts, credit offers, account statements, expired cards, etc., to prevent dumpster divers getting your personal information.
oStore personal information in a safe place at home and at work. Don’t leave it lying around.
oDon’t respond to unsolicited requests for personal information in the mail, over the phone or online.
oInstall firewalls and virus-detection software on your home computer.
oCheck your credit report once a year. Check it more frequently if you suspect someone has gotten access to your account information.
Our thanks to the reader who asked this question. Here’s where to send your comments or inquiries:
At Your Service, Rob Stemple, Daily American newsroom, P.O. Box 638, Somerset, PA 15501 or email brianw@dailyamerican.com.
(Rob Stemple is Community Outreach and Rehabilitation Liaison for Somerset County Blind Center (SCBC); a Division of the Susquehanna Association for the Blind and Vision Impaired (SABVI). He is available to speak to school and civic groups, churches, etc. Rob is a member of Apostles Creed, a Contemporary Christian group based at Unity United Church of Christ that provides music for community events and fundraisers. Call him at 814-445-1310 or send an email to rstemple@somersetblind.org for additional information.)
Article source: http://www.dailyamerican.com/opinion/columns/da-ot-identity-theft-question-20130726,0,3580430.column
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