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From Your Parish Nurse, Bev Symons |
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Identity theft is a huge problem. With the growing use of technology, thieves are discovering new ways to steal your identity, from hacking into your computer while you are on-line, to stealing the computers from your doctor’s offices or credit card companies. How can you defend yourself? It is important to recognize that there is no way to entirely protect yourself from identity theft. However, the following steps will make it a lot harder for thieves to steal your identity: Don’t carry your Social Security card with you. If your SSI number is on your medical insurance card, driver’s license or school ID, have it removed. Don’t carry more credit cards than you need. If you aren’t using a credit card, cancel it in writing with the issuing financial institution – then cut it into small strips before disposing. Do not write your personal identification number (PIN) on the back of your credit card or on a little sheet of paper that you carry as a reminder. Instead of signing the back of your credit/debit card, write “check photo id” in the signature block. Check your credit card bills and bank statements carefully every month, looking for activity you don’t recognize. Make copies of the front and back of all your credit and debit cards, then place the copy in a secure location. Be wary of “pre-approved credit” offers you receive in the mail. Shred them if you don’t plan to use them. If you’d like to stop them from being mailed to you, call 1-888-567-8688 for more information. Pick up your incoming mail as soon as possible after it is delivered. Go through your glove compartment and remove any personally identifying documents. Password protect your mortgage, bank, and credit card accounts. Use a unique password that has both letters and numbers and change it frequently. Use firewalls, anti-virus programs, and anti-spy software if you use a computer. Ask your doctor, dentist, pharmacist and employer how they are protecting your ID.
What to do if your ID is stolen: Close compromised credit card accounts immediately. Place fraud alert on your credit reports. This alert can help stop someone from opening new credit accounts in your name. Call one of these reporting agencies and they will alert the other two: Equifax: 1-800-525-6285 (www.equifax.com) Experian: 1-888-397-3742 (www.experian.com) TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289 (www.transunion.com) |