Identity Theft Prevention Tips

Reducing Access Others Have To Your Personal Information:

• Remove your name from pre-approved credit card offers at www.optoutprescreen.com
• Consumers have ability to opt-out for five years or permanently and also to opt-back-in
• Enroll in the Federal Trade Commissions National Do-Not-Call Registry at www.donotcall.gov
• Phone numbers placed on the registry will remain on it permanently
• Sign up for the Direct Marketing Association’s Mail Preference Service at www.dmachoice.org
• Remove contact information from major solicitation lists based on specific mail categories, such as credit offers, bank offers, magazine offers, retail promotions, etc.
• Consider“freezing” your credit orsetting up1-yearfraud alerts at each of the credit reporting agencies
• A credit freeze will prevent most lenders from seeing your credit history (however, this may include lenders that you want to work with)
• A less restrictive option is to set up a 1-year fraud alert, which requires lenders to take extra measures to verify your identification before opening any new accounts in your name

Safe Habits To Acquire:

• Obtain and regularly review your Credit Report at www.annualcreditreport.com
• The government provides free credit reports once every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion
• Cross-shred all financial documents and junk mail before putting them in the trash
• Carefully review all financial documents and credit card statements for irregularities every month
• Do not carry extra credit cards, Social Security card, birth certificate, or passport unless it is necessary
• Never give out personal information by telephone, unless you can positively verify the call is legitimate
• Do not create easy passwords or store passwords on a document (physical or electronic) that is easily accessible
• Try to memorize online account passwords rather than writing them down
• Always take your credit card receipts with you and never toss them in public trash containers
• Do not allow financial institutions to print your Social Security number on statements or personal checks
• Follow up if you receive an unexpected bill, are denied credit, or financial statements are late
• Keep a list of your credit accounts and bank accounts in a very secure place in case you need to contact issuers about missing or stolen cards
• Include account numbers, expiration dates and customer service department phone numbers
• Try to update this list twice per year

Internet & Computer Safeguards:

• Update virus protection and confirm you have a firewall setup on your personal computer
• When shopping online, only do business with companies that provide transaction security protection
• When making transactions online, remember credit cards almost always provide more fraud protection than debit cards
• Format or physically destroy hard drives of any old computer before putting it in the trash
• If you use a wireless internet connection, make sure all available security features are setup
• Online banking through a secure website can save time, money, and can be safer than check writing
• Do not click on any email links you receive from financial institutions, even if you feel they are legitimate
• Instead, go to your browser and type in the website of the institution and login to your account
• Email Phishing messages can appear identical to emails you are used to regularly receiving