Identity Theft Protection

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), there were nearly 10 million identity theft victims in 2003.  It is the fastest growing crime in the U.S.

• Monitor your credit report regularly - Obtain your credit report at least once a year by phoning either Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union and look carefully for any unusual for fraudulent activity. 
• Beware of all requests for your personal information online - Criminals copy logos perfectly to trick you. Legitimate companies never send unsolicited requests for person information. Never give out personal information unless you initiate the correspondence.  (For more information on Phishing click here)
• Shred document before putting them in the trash - Bank statements, credit card offers, utility bills, and documents with Social Security or account numbers can be retrieved by ID  thieves from your trash, so make a habit of tearing them up before tossing them.
• Install a locking mailbox or use the post office - Criminals often obtain the information they need by intercepting mail in unlocked street mailboxes. Only send and receive bills, checks, or other personal correspondence from a secure location.
• Notify law enforcement of "dumpster diving" - Identity thieves rummage through all sorts of garbage looking for un-shredded documents that contain personal information.
• Place a fraud alert on your credit - If ;you have lost your wallet, purse, Social Security card, or passport, or suspect you are a potential victim of ID theft, contact each of the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union ) for assistance.

For more information go to www.i-SAFE.com