Protecting Yourself Against Identity Theft

1
Protecting Yourself Against Identity Theft

• TSCPA Member Name, CPA
• Firm/Company Name

2
Identity Theft on TV

• Citi Cards TV Commercials
• Outfit Emmy Award-Winning Commercial
• https//www.citibank.com/us/cards/index.jsp

3
Identity Theft Defined

• Identity theft occurs when someone, without your
  permission, uses your Social Security number,
  credit card number or other identifying
  information to commit fraud

4
Monitor Credit Card and Bank Statements

• Look for monthly statements in the mail
• Carefully review for unauthorized purchases
• Dont have blank checks mailed to your home pick
  them up at the bank
• Dont have extra information like your telephone
  or drivers license numbers printed on your
  checks

5
Safeguard Personal Information

• Dont carry your Social Security card and only
  give your number to those you trust
• Never give any personal information over the
  telephone unless you initiate the contact
• Watch what you throw away
• Shred credit card receipts, old bank statements
  and pre-approved credit card offers

6
Do Away with Pre-Screened Credit Card Offers

• Prevent identity thieves from applying for a
  credit card under your name
• Call 1-888-5OPTOUT
• The three major credit bureaus use the same
  toll-free number to allow consumers to choose not
  to receive pre-screened credit card offers

7
Check Credit Report Regularly

• Order a credit report at least once a year from
  each of the three credit bureaus
• TransUnion, Experian and Equifax
• Look for signs of ID theft, like unauthorized
  change of address or new accounts you didnt open

8
Treat Mail with Care

• Drop off bill payments at the post office
• Consider installing a locked mailbox or use a
  post office box
• Request a vacation hold on your mail if youre
  planning an exotic getaway or other extended
  absence from home

9
Be Computer Safety Savvy

• Delete all personal information from your
  computer before you donate or discard it
• Look for a Web sites privacy policy
• Shop online at Web sites that use technology
  known as SSL or Secure Sockets Layer, which
  encrypts credit card information
• Youll know youre on a secure site if the web
  address begins with https instead of http

10
Be Computer Safety Savvy

• Update virus protection software regularly
• Dont download files or click on links sent to
  you by strangers
• Use a firewall program if you have a high-speed
  Internet connection, like cable, DSL or a T-1
  line

11
How to Report ID Theft

• Report the theft to the organization that issued
  the credit card or checking account
• Make a toll-free call to the fraud number of any
  one of the three major credit bureaus to place a
  fraud alert on your credit report
• When one credit bureau confirms your fraud alert,
  the other two credit bureaus are notified
  automatically

12
How to Report ID Theft

• Make a toll-free call to the Federal Trade
  Commissions Identity Theft Hotline at
  1-877-IDTHEFT
• File a report with the local police
• You may need a police report to validate your
  claims to creditors

13
Restoring Your Good Name

• Use the ID Theft Affidavit
• Developed by a FTC, bank, credit grantor and
  consumer advocate collaboration
• Simplifies charge disputes with companies where
  new accounts have been opened in your name
• Access on the ID Theft Web site at
  http//www.consumer.gov/idtheft