Identity theft

Identity theft has been a growing problem in our society and the vulnerability of seniors to this problem is significant. It is important to take proactive steps to try to protect yourself by being aware of how this can occur. Among the major types of identity theft are:

Application fraud - use of your social security nymber and/or other personal information to open new credit accounts in your name.
Account takeover - use of your existing bank accounts numbers or credit card account numbers to buy products or services.
Criminal identity fraud - use of your identity to commit crimes, enter countries, launder money or commit acts of terrorism.

Most often someone tryihng to steal your identity will:

Pose as an authorized person to obtain your credit report.
Steal your wallet and/or your mail to obtain information about you, your credit or your finances.
Use the internet to obtain personal information ro try to scam you by e-mail - see Computer identity

There are many things you can do, and must think about, to reduce the chances of being a victim of identity theft. Among the steps you can do are:

Protect and monitor you mailbox

Remove mail from your mailbox as soon as possible after it is delivered.
Install a lock on your mailbox, if possible.
When sending any sensitive items through the mail, deposit them at the post office or a US Postal mail box.

Credit cards

Write "See ID" in large letters on the back of your credit card where the signature box is located.
Use as few credit cards as possible and monitor them frequently for fraudulent activity.
Put your receipts in your wallet or pocket, do not leave them in the shopping bag.
Keep your credit card in sight at all times.

Garbage

Before throwing away any documents that have sensitive information, shred them using a cross cut shredder.
Cut-up old credit cards and bank cards before throwing them away. Do not put the pieces of the cut-up card in the same garbage bag, but scatter them in a few different bags
Be sure to look at all junk mail before throwing it away to make sure it does not have sensitive information

Social Security numbers

If a business or an individual asks for your Social Security number for identification or other purposes, ask to use a different identifying number instead.
Carefully review your annual Social Security Personal Earnings and Benefits Estimate Summary each year and check that it is accurate and there is no fraud.
Do not use your Social Security number on job applications or other applications.

Personal and business checks

Do not put your Social Security number, credit card number or phone number on your checks.
Use a permanent fine tip pen or marker when writing checks.
If you order new checks, have them sent to your bank branch, not your home, and pick them up at your bank upon showing proper ID.

Monthly statements

Carefully review all statements from your bank, credit cards, home and cell phones every month promptly after receiving them.
If you do not receive your statement around the expected date, call to find out what happened. It is possible the mail may have been stolen or sent to another address.
Report any mistakes, discrepancies or fraud immediately.

Watch your wallet

Do not keep bank account numbers, passwords or PINs in your wallet or purse.
Do not have your social security card, birth certificate, passport or extra credit cards in your wallet or purse.
Do not take out your wallet until you need it and never leave your wallet or purse unattended.

Medical and financial records

Ask doctors' offices, financial institutions, etc. what they do with your information and make sure it is kept in a secure place.
Keep all your medical, financial and other sensitive personal information in a secure place at your home, such as in a hidden safe.

ATMs, passwords and PINs

Always use Alpha-numberic passwords, or passwords that are considered strong (see "Passwords and protection"
Memorize all passwords and PINs. Do not write them down, other than to be stored in a safe and secure place, or keep them with you.
Do not use the same password and/or PIN for all your accounts.
Do not use private or odd-looking ATMs as they may have been manipulated to steal the data from your card.

Credit reports

Order your credit reports at lease once each year.
Make sure all information is correct
Review your reports carefully looking for accounts you did not open, unexplained debts or inquiries you did not initiate.
If you see anything fraudulent or suspicious, notify the credit bureau directly.
Upon completion of the review of the credit report, be sure to shred it before throwing it out.

If you have been a victim of identity theft, you should take the following steps as soon as possible:

Place a "fraud alert" on your credit reports though the major credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
File a report with your local police department.
Close all accounts that have been tampered with or fraudulently opened.
If checks have been stolen or used improperly, close the account and ask your bank to notify the appropriate check verification service.