Crime Prevention Tips
Somebody wants to be YOU
Every ten seconds someone’s identity is stolen. Don’t become a victim of identity thieves who want to steal your name and good credit - a costly theft and black mark on your credit report could take you years to rectify.
How ID thieves steal from you:
- With your name and your social security number, they can open bank accounts and write checks in your name
- Open new credit accounts in your name and neglect to pay the bills
- Get personal loans for large items like appliances and automobiles
- Set up cell phone accounts and call anywhere on your dime
- Charge on your existing credit card accounts; even change your mailing address and have bills sent elsewhere so that you don’t know about fraudulent activity until it’s too late
- Secure a job or rent an apartment in your name
- Take cash from your accounts
How to keep it from happening:
- Be vigilant! Guard your wallet, credit cards and checkbook.
- Carry only the credit cards you know you will use on any given day.
- Do NOT carry your social security card with you. Commit the number to memory.
- Leave birth certificates and passports at home unless you intend to use them.
- Be careful to whom you give information such as your phone number, address or date of birth.
- Think about using a post office box to receive mail like bank and investment statements.
- Cover your hand when plugging in pin numbers at ATMs.
- Consider purchasing a paper shredder to discard all personal and financial information.
- Check carefully your credit card and bank statements every month.
- Monitor your credit report. www.annualcreditreport.com or call (877) 322 8228
- www.usdoj.gov/criminal (Click on Fraud) www.ftc.gov (Click on IG Office/Search: ID Fraud)
- www.consumer/gov/idtheft (Information on what to do if your personal information is stolen.)
- Attorney General’s Office of Consumer Protection and Anti Trust Bureau (603) 271-3641
These are only a few of the many ways you can safeguard your identity. Crime Stoppers is working hard to foil crime that directly affects you, but we need your support. Help us in any way you can — with tips, as a volunteer, with a donation of any amount. Whatever you can do will make a difference for yourself and the community in which we live.