Identity theft
is a growing trend in the United States. Thieves are no longer only after your
wallet, jewels, artwork or other precious belongings. Instead, they want
your identity. But to commit identity theft, the perpetrator has
to have information, such as social security number and driver's
license number. Being
a victim can not only wreak havoc on your credit -- preventing the
ability to buy a house or car -- it can take years to overcome.
So, how do the
criminals get your personal information?
They get your information in several different ways:
- by
going through the trash to find straight cut or unshredded
papers,
- by stealing an
individual's mail or wallet, by listening to public
conversations,
- by tricking the
victim into revealing the information over the phone or by
email,
- by buying the
information on the internet or from someone who has already
stolen it,
- by stealing loan
or credit applications that an individual has filled out on
non-secure websites.
In order to
prevent identity theft, Neighbors offers these tips:
- Check your
account statements as often as possible. If at any time you
notice any discrepancies between your statements and your own
records, please contact
us immediately.
- Check your
credit reports with all three major credit agencies at least
once per year.
- Guard your
social security number and when possible don't carry your
social security card with you.
- Don't put your
social security number or driver's license number on your
checks.
- Never give your
personal information to anyone unless they have good reason
for needing it.
- Carefully
destroy papers that have sensitive information on them that
you no longer need.
- Be suspicious of
telephone solicitors.
- Delete
suspicious emails.
- Reduce the
number of pre-approved credit card offers you receive by
calling 888-5opt-out.
Remember,
Neighbors will never ask
you to reveal credit card, debit card, or pin number information over the phone or
online to verify your identity. |
