How to Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft – Part 2

Identity Theft: To have your personal information stolen by a criminal who uses it to commit fraud in your name, leaving you with the burden of proving your innocence. 

Our last article armed you with the first half of this must-have list…tips for protecting yourself against Identity Theft. As promised, the rest of the list: 

• When ordering new checks, pick them up at the bank instead of having them mailed to you.
• Promptly remove mail from your mailbox. If your mailbox is not secure, investigate how you can replace it with one that is
• If you’re planning to be away from home and can’t pick up your mail, call the U.S. Postal Service at 1-800-275-8777 to request a vacation hold. Mail will be held at your mail at your local post office until you can pick it up or are home to receive it.
• To opt out of receiving offers of credit in the mail, call 1-888-5-OPTOUT The three nationwide credit reporting companies use the same toll-free number to let consumers choose not to receive credit offers based on their lists (note that you will be asked to provide your SSN which the credit reporting companies need to match you with your file).
• Carry only the identification information and the credit and debit cards that you’ll actually need when you go out.
• Be cautious when responding to promotions. Identity thieves may create phony promotional offers to get you to give them your personal information.
• The Direct Marketing Association offers services to help reduce the number of mail and telephone solicitations. To join their mail preference service, mail your name, home address and signature to: Mail Preference Service, Direct Marketing Association, P. O. Box 9008, Farmingdale, NY 11735-9008.
• Cancel your unused credit cards so that their account numbers will not appear on your credit report.
• When possible, watch your credit card as the merchant completes the transaction.
• Carefully consider what information you want placed in the residence telephone book and ask yourself what it reveals about you.

Keep track of credit card, debit card and ATM receipts. Never throw them in a public receptacle. Tear them up or shred them at home when you no longer need them.