I am doing a research on identity theft, can you tell me things I should tell in my report?
TIPS TO AVOID IDENTITY THEFT
· Do not give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or over the Internet unless you’ve initiated the contact or are sure you know who you’re dealing with.
· Be skeptical of e-mail requests for personal information, especially when they come from companies that should already have the information. Identity thieves may pose as representatives of banks, Internet service providers (ISPs) and even government agencies to get you to reveal your SSN, mother’s maiden name, account numbers and other identifying information.
· Do not click on links in suspicious e-mails; instead, you should contact the company directly by phone or through a Web site or e-mail address known to be authentic.
· Make sure an Internet connection is secure — with an icon of a lock visible on the Web browser — before submitting personal information.
To reduce or minimize the risk of becoming a victim of identity theft or fraud, just remember the word "SCAM":
S Be stingy about giving out your personal information to others unless you have a reason to trust them
C Check your financial information regularly, and look for what should be there and what shouldn’t
A Ask periodically for a copy of your credit report
M Maintain careful records of your banking and financial accounts
TIPS TO AVOID IDENTITY THEFT
· Do not give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or over the Internet unless you’ve initiated the contact or are sure you know who you’re dealing with.
· Be skeptical of e-mail requests for personal information, especially when they come from companies that should already have the information. Identity thieves may pose as representatives of banks, Internet service providers (ISPs) and even government agencies to get you to reveal your SSN, mother’s maiden name, account numbers and other identifying information.
· Do not click on links in suspicious e-mails; instead, you should contact the company directly by phone or through a Web site or e-mail address known to be authentic.
· Make sure an Internet connection is secure — with an icon of a lock visible on the Web browser — before submitting personal information.
To reduce or minimize the risk of becoming a victim of identity theft or fraud, just remember the word "SCAM":
S Be stingy about giving out your personal information to others unless you have a reason to trust them
C Check your financial information regularly, and look for what should be there and what shouldn’t
A Ask periodically for a copy of your credit report
M Maintain careful records of your banking and financial accounts
References :
Dez is right on target … two additions … if you shop at a merchant who uses the paper charge slips versus the swipe machine, ask to have the carbon paper, then destroy it yourself … purchase a shredder, and shred any personal info before discarding it in the trash …
And confirm Dez … Never, ever provide credit card info unless you initiated the transaction, and always verify the website is secure before entering your credit card information
References :
As someone in the loss prevention field, I have a different perspective than most on this issue. Both previous posts were very true and will provide alot of information for your report. I will tell you as an interesting side not that I have encountered numerous identity theft cases, and suprising have found out that there is little you can do to convict or find the person that has done it. Often times I have brought people into questioning for bad checks/stolen credit cards and they actually have purchased the credit card/or check, and a fake ID to use from another party who was actually the person stealing the personal property to begin with. Its just like buying clothes for these people. They go down to a prearranged meeting place, and purchase dozens of stolen credit cards, fake ID’s, and checks and then go around using the forms of payment at stores around town like Wal-Mart, Target, K-Mart, etc. I think what most people don’t realize is how hard it actually is to catch the people who actually start the identity theft rolling in the first place. Most people are also careless with their wallets, purses, or other personal items, and will just leave them in plain view in their vehicle, or leave them in a cart and walk away. The crook swoops in and steals the purse or wallet and in minutes will be selling that credit card to someone else. Identities can also be stolen from store receipts left in the trash, from credit card mail-in offers left in your mailbox, or just by snooping through your garbage dumpster. Hope the information helps you out.
References :
The Federal Trade Commission has a nice web page with info you can use.
References :
http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/