Protecting Your Identity

The importance of preventing identity theft

Identity theft occurs when someone steals personal data and uses it to commit fraud. The types of data they look for most often are:

  • Social security numbers
  • Driver’s license numbers
  • Dates of birth

Using this data, thieves can:

  • Apply for telephone service, credit cards, or loans
  • Buy merchandise
  • Lease cars or apartments
  • Apply for a mortgage
  • Get a job

Because all of this can be done in someone else’s name, it can leave the victim with serious damage to their credit record, bank account, and to his or her good name.

Your vigilance can help

By following these security tips, you can help reduce the risk of identity theft for yourself and others:

  • Guard your information and others’ personal information.
  • Do not discuss sensitive information in public places or on a cell phone.
  • Lock up sensitive papers and digital media at home.
  • Use a password-protected screensaver to lock your computer.
  • Put away sensitive papers before leaving your desk at work, and don’t leave them unattended at copiers, fax machines, or printers.
  • Shred sensitive information before discarding it.
  • When using an ATM machine, make sure no one is standing right behind you.
  • If you need to make a credit card payment online, do it through a secure site that encrypts your card number.
  • Do not write down passwords or carry them around with you.
  • Use strong passwords that contain a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols.
  • Avoid easy-to-guess passwords that contain family member or pet names, birthdates, sports teams, or other information that may be easy to identify.
  • Be cautious when you’re online. E-mail “phishing” scams, spyware, and viruses can be harmful to you and your computer. Don’t respond to suspicious e-mails or download files or software from the Internet unless you are certain they are legitimate and secure.
  • Check your credit report on a regular basis so you spot any “red flags.”

Next, you may want to use the Glossary to look up definitions of financial terms..



Bookmark and Share