The Federal Trade Commission found that complaints of identity theft have increased rapidly during the last several years. The U.S. Secret Service estimates that consumers nationwide lose hundreds of millions of dollars to identity theft each year. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, the normal victim spends approximately 550 to 700 hours clearing his or her
credit record. What can you do to reduce your chances of becoming a victim?
- Your credit record should be checked each year to verify all the information is accurate. In addition, you should contact your creditors if your bill does not arrive in time. A missing credit card bill could mean an identity thief has taken over the credit card account and changed the billing address to cover his or her tracks.
- All old financial documents, including bank statements and credit card bills, should be shredded to reduce the exposure to what is called “dumpster diving.”
- You should not carry your Social Security card with you; rather, it should be secured in your safety deposit box.
- You should avoid using an unlocked mailbox, such as at your residence, to drop off out-going mail, since mail can be easily stolen.
- You should not print your Social Security number or driver’s license number on your personal checks.
- Ask your insurance agent about an identity theft endorsement providing protection if your identity is stolen.
