Identity Theft Part 2 of 2

This post is Part 2 of a 2-part series related to Protecting Yourself against Identity Theft.  These tips are brought to you from the North Carolina Department of Justice (ncdoj.gov).

Check Your Credit Report

Free Yearly Credit Report

You are entitled to one free credit report each year from each nationwide credit bureau.  To get your free report, go to www.annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228.  To keep track of your credit during the year, request a free report from a different credit bureau every four months.  You can purchase additional copies of your credit report directly from the credit bureaus at any time by calling: Equifax at 1-800-685-1111, Experian at 1-888-397-3742 and TransUnion at 1-800-9160-8800 (Note from Mike:  this does not include your credit “score.”  I recently requested a free credit report from TansUnion and noted that if I wanted to receive my credit score, I had to pay for it.  It’s a small fee, but I wanted to give you this information so that you were informed before requesting.  The valuable information about your credit history, however, is free.)

Security Freeze

Stop identity thieves from getting new credit in your name.  A security freeze prohibits credit reporting agencies from releasing any information about you to new creditors without your approval, making it difficult for an identity thief to use your information to open an account or obtain credit.  A security freeze costs $10 per credit bureau but is fee for identity theft victims.  (For instructions on how to request a security freeze see the tip sheet, “Freeze Your Credit,” at www.noscamnc.gov) – (Note from Mike:  I wouldn’t request doing this if you plan on getting credit i.e. mortgage, auto loan, etc.  This will end up being a pain-in-the-you-know-what.  I would highly recommend this for older individuals who are in no need of new credit in the near future.)

Protect Your Information Online

Surfing and Shopping

• Keep spyware and virus protection software up-to-date and install a firewall.
• Only provide your SSN or financial account numbers online when at a valid secure website.  Secure websites often have an icon in the shape of a lock in the lower right-hand corner.  A secure website’s address will change from http to https.
• Credit cards are protected under federal law against unauthorized charges for up to $50 per card.  If the credit card is reported stolen before it is used, there is no charge.
• When ordering goods online, watch due dates and keep track of delivery.  It is best to order from trusted businesses or businesses that you confirm are legitimate.  Order only from businesses that permit returns if the item is not as promised.
• When selling online, cash payments are best.  Scam artists use real-looking fake checks and money orders.  Be wary of overpayments and endorsed checks.  Never wire excess payments.
• Read privacy policies and inquire how your personal information will be used.
• Use on low-limit credit card for all online purchases or request a one-time-use number from your credit card company each time you want to make a purchase online.

Email

• Beware of emails that ask you to confirm your personal information or account number, or ask you to transfer a large sum of money, even if the email appears to come from a bank, Internet Service Provider, business, or charity.  Forward the email to spam@uce.gov.
• Never send your SSN or financial account numbers by e-mail unless using encryption software.  Be wary of links provided inside an email, even from a trusted source such as a bank or charity.
• Most notices for lottery winnings, inheritance windfalls, and desperate pleas for help are scams.

Beware of Scams and Frauds

• Never give personal information to telemarketers who call you on the phone.  Sign up for the national Do Not Call registry at 1-888-382-1222 or www.nocallsnc.gov to cut down on unwanted calls from telemarketers.
• Double-check references for door-to-door sales, home repair offers and other products.
• Verify that charities, businesses and others who contact you are who they claim to be before you provide any personal information.  If you think the request for information is legitimate, hang up and contact the company at a number you know is valid to verify the request.
• Sign up to hear about new scams at alerts @ncdoj.gov.

The moral of this 2-part series is, protect yourself and your identity and if it sounds too good to be true…it probably is!  NEVER give out your personal information online!  Be careful and protect yourself and your identity so that it is not stolen!