Family & Consumer Science News
Avoiding Identity Theft
By Terri Black County Extension Agent

Identity theft, the fastest growing form of fraud in America, has now reached epidemic

prop ortions. To avoid being a victim to identity thieves, it is important to und erstand

how identity

theft can occur and take all the necessary precautions to avoid it.

Completely avoiding identity theft is almost impossible. You can however, minimize your risks. All a thief needs is to obtain a piece of your personal information, such as a credit card, driver's license, or social security number. The thief can change your mailing address with your credit card company so you will not know that they are using your card. Identity thieves can also use your information to start cell phone contracts or bank accounts in your name, or to overdraw your accounts. These criminals will steal your identity and your financial security, so it is important to take steps to protect yourself from them. Following these simple steps will help minimize your chances of becoming a victim.

• Get a copy of your credit report. Georgia law allows you to receive a free credit report twice a year from each of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax (1-800-685-1111), Experian (1-888-397-3742) and TransUnion (1-800-888-4213).

• Password-protect your accounts. When making a password, do not use something that is easy to figure out, like a birthday or mother's maiden name. A combination of letters and numbers makes it harder for an identity thief to guess your password.

• Watch your mail. Keep track of your billing periods and make sure that you receive all of your bills at the appropriate time. Call the post office (1-800- 275-8777) if you are leaving town and ask them to hold your mail if you will be away more than a day or two. Take outgoing mail to the post office, local collection boxes provided by the post office or a secure mailbox.

• Watch your trash. Shred any documents that could be ammunition for an identity thief. Make sure you shred receipts, credit applications, checks or bank statements, insurance forms/physicians statements and other documents containing personal information.

• Avoid giving out personal information. Whether by phone, online or in person, be careful about providing your personal information to anyone. Never provide this information to a person or business you're not familiar with, and always find out why the information is needed.

If you become a victim, contact all of the credit bureaus and inform them that you have become a victim. Close all accounts that have been opened or tampered with. Inform the police in the area that the theft occurred. Finally fill out the ID Theft Affidavit which can be obtained by calling 1-877- IDTHEFT. For more information on identity theft, visit www.consumer.gov.

Source: UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences News for Families and Consumers