Identity theft is the crime of the 21st century, affecting innumerable Americans. But there is not much you can do if your identity is stolen. Identity theft is increasing and practically everybody is likely to suffer from this latest type of fraud.
How is it carried out?
Criminals steal credit card numbers, social security numbers, telephone calling cards, ATM cards and other important pieces of a person’s identities. The information on them is then used to mimic the victim, by spending the utmost money in the least amount of time possible.
Preventive actions or Precautions
1. Don’t take precious documents and cards with you, when you go out, unless it is essential.
2. Select the Direct Marketing Associations Mail Preference Service and the Telephone Preference Service. This will let you add your name to the computerized name deletion lists used by all the marketers throughout the country.
3. Collect the just ordered checks from the bank and don’t let them send it to your home address.
4. Install a locked mailbox at your home to keep the mailing system safe.
5. Drop mail bills and other important things at the post office instead of the next door drop boxes. At times, these envelops with your address written on it, can fall in the wrong hands and be tampered with.
6. Don’t give out your personal information on the phone, unless the person is from the trusted company. Lottery and ‘lucky dip’ calls should be ignored, since they are normally fake.
7. Give out Social Security Numbers (SSN) only if it is essential.
8. At the time of creating passwords and PIN numbers, don’t use numbers from social security, birth date, middle name or any essential personal numbers; as they are simple for criminals to figure out.
9. Confirm whether the financial institutions are keeping your important information safe. Insist on removing the account numbers from ATM slips, and destroy the paper reports before tossing them away.
After the Theft
1. If you think there has been an identity theft, immediately report the matter to the police. Give all the necessary written evidence. Even if the police don’t give the report, persist and demand it. Show the police report to the bank and credit card company.
2. Tell the banks, close all the savings and checking accounts and open new accounts.
3. Contact the 3 credit reporting companies and get them to flag the accounts. Get a fraud alert to be attached to the report and extend it later if necessary. This fraud alert allows creditors contact you at the time of anybody trying to open an account in your name.
4. Report the theft and then file an ID theft affidavit with the Federal Trade Commission. Send this affidavit to credit bureaus and institutions to close fake debts and accounts opened by using your name.
5. Don’t feel guilty for the theft, as you are the victim, there is nothing to be ashamed of. Instead deal with the situation peacefully.
Prevent a small time thief to take away all your reputation and respect. At times, it so happens that those whom you know are the ones who destroy your identity by using it against you. Play safe and don’t give any personal information to others.