Consumer Protection
There were 10 million victims of identity theft in 2008 in the United States and 1 in every 10 U.S. consumers has already been victimized by identity theft (Javelin Strategy and Research, 2009). Have you been a victim of identity theft? If you have or have not been a victim here are some helpful tips to avoid having your identity stolen.
- Never give anyone unfamiliar to you, your vital information such as your date of birth, social security number, bank account numbers, etc.
- Refrain from giving vital information to customer service representatives while on a cellular telephone, you never know who is listening.
- When paying bills never leave them in the mail box at your house and put the little red flag on the mail box up. This alerts thieves that mail is in there and they will drive by and take it.
- Check your credit report regularly and close as many credit cards and store cards not being used. Many consumers will sign up for a store card to get that extra 10% off and never use the card again. Down the road if you need to check your credit report and have numerous accounts open it will make it more difficult to keep track and detect fraud.
- Never throw vital information in the garbage. Thieves make careers out of dumpster diving to obtain your information and steal your identity. Invest in a home shredder which shreds in a diamond or cross pattern.
The Better Business Bureau
National Do Not Call Registry
Check Your Credit Report at
http://www.equifax.com/home/en_us
http://www.freecreditreport.com/
The credit bureaus offer a toll-free number that enables you to “opt-out” of having pre-approved credit offers sent to you for five years. Call 1-888-5-OPTOUT (567-8688) or visit www.optoutprescreen.com for more information.
