DrDeClutterBlog.com

Identify theft does happen, and it’s important - even just on the basis of helping you be more organized for your life in general - to know how to prevent it and how to deal with it if it ever does happen. Keeping our finanacial information and important documents secure is one of our most imp0rtant responsibilities. The more prepared you are now, the less of a hassle it will be later.

PREPARE/PREVENTION

1. Common Sense! Don’t carry numerous credit cards with you or carry a large purse just asking for someone to “try” to steal from you. It’s just the world today, there’s no reason to set yourself up for trouble!

2. Check your credit report annually. Know what it looks like, what cards you have, etc.

The 3 major credit bureaus are: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. You can get your report free from them.

3. Review your bills and statements on a regular basis to make sure you are not getting billed for things you did not buy.

4. Guard your mail and trash from theft. Shred any papers with your social security number, full credit/debit card numbers and ID numbers that would allow others to access your accounts.

5. Use caution when giving out personal information. NEVER give out your social security number.

TIP: Memorize your SS number, don’t carry around the card.

6. Copy the contents of your wallet or purse. Copy your credit cards, debit cards, etc. so that you have the information. This is good even if you just happen to lose them. Keep this information in you important documents file system at home or in your office.

IF YOU EXPERIENCE IDENTITY FRAUD 

1. File a police report with your local law enforcement, and/or wherever your ID was stolen (you might be on vacation.)  

2. Notify your financial institution.

3. Contact the fraud departments at the credit bureaus. (See #1 in first section.)

4. Inform your credit issuers. Report lost or stolen checks or credit cards immediately. (This is where having copied your credit cards and such and filed the info will come in very handy! See #5 above AND DO IT TODAY!)

5. Place a fraud alert statement on your credit report.

6. Request that credit bureaus identify accounts closed due to fraud as “closed at consumer’s request.”

7. Request free credit reports (See #2 in above section.)

8. Report check theft to check verification companies.

9. Check post office for unauthorized change of address requests.

10. Follow-up contact with letter and keep copied of all correspondence.

Other good sources:

Financial Info

Investopedia - gives an extended list.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Identity Theft Hotline 1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338)