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10 Ways to Avoid Identity Theft
- Keep your Social Security card in a secure place, and give out the number only when necessary. Ask to use other
identifiers whenever possible.
- Guard your purse or wallet. Never put either one down unless your hand is connected to it.
- Limit the number of checks and debit/credit cards you carry to only what you will actually need.
- Check credit card and bank statements carefully for unauthorized charges.
- Close credit card accounts you don't use on a regular basis.
- Shred all documents containing personal information -- especially preapproved credit card offers -- with a
cross-cut shredder.
- Before revealing any identifying information, ask how it will be used and secured, and whether it will be shared
with others.
- Order copies of your free credit reports from the three credit bureaus at least once a year, and check them
carefully for accuracy. (See numbers below.)
- Place passwords on credit card, bank and phone accounts. Avoid using easily available information such as
mother's maiden name, birth date, phone number, etc. Instead use an eight-character combination of letters and
numbers.
- Use a locked mailbox or a post office box to send and receive mail.
Important Numbers
Credit Bureaus
- Equifax -- (800) 525-6285
- Experian (formerly TRW) -- (800) 301-7195
- Trans Union -- (800) 680-7289
Social Security Administration fraud line: (800) 269-0271
Source: Parker Associates copyright © 1999-2007
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