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Identity theft infobox Date published: 2/25/2006
Identity theft prevention tips Do not release Social Security number, passwords, account numbers or any other sensitive information to callers or to e-mail requests. Minimize the possibility of loss or theft. Carry only those credit and identification cards in your wallet that you need. Lock personal information, sensitive documents, checkbooks, credit cards, etc., in a secure place. Where available, protect your accounts (banking, utility, merchant, etc.) by adding PINs and passwords to them. Select alphanumeric PINs and passwords, mixing numbers with letters. Do not use easily known information for your PIN or password, such as birth date, maiden name, etc. Secure PINs and passwords, even inside your home and change them frequently. Do not write your PIN on your debit card. Do not disclose your PIN or password to anyone. Shred all sensitive documents prior to discarding. Use a secure mailbox for incoming mail. If your home mailbox is not secure, consider receiving your mail at work or renting a mailbox at the post office. Place outgoing mail in a locked mailbox, especially if it contains sensitive documents, such as checks. If you have a home computer, install and regularly update firewall, anti-spyware, anti-virus and browser security software. If you use public computers, ensure that they are equipped with the appropriate security software. If discarding or donating your old computer, destroy all sensitive data on the hard drive. When responding to e-mail from businesses with which you have an account, do not link to their Web site through the address provided on the e-mail. Go to the business site through your search engine, if necessary. Replace paper invoices, statements and checks with electronic versions, if offered by your employer, bank, utility or merchant. Sign up for automatic payroll deposits and consider moving to an electronic banking or bill payment service. Identity theft detection tips Contact your bank, credit card company or merchant immediately if your checkbook, wallet or debit/credit cards are lost or stolen, or if you fail to receive statements, invoices or new or renewed credit/debit cards. Monitor your bank and credit card account activity regularly. Check your account balances weekly through the phone, ATM or Internet. Confirm that all transactions are authorized. Review your credit information regularly. Free reports are available at annualcreditreport.com or by calling 877/322-8228. Confirm that all accounts listed are yours. If offered by your bank, use e-mail or telephone alerts to monitor transfers, payments, low balances and withdrawals. Check your e-mail frequently. Source: Javelin Strategy & Research
1. Be respectful. No personal attacks.
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