|
Protecting Your Identity
The best way to protect your privacy and your personal information is to be vigilant. The following tips from Carnegie Mellon University can help lower your risk of becoming a victim of identity theft.
- Fight E-mail Scams "phishing".
Scam artists "phish" for victims by pretending to be banks, stores or government agencies. They do this over the phone, in e-mails and in the regular mail. Don't give out your personal information - unless you made the contact.
Do not respond to a request to verify your account number or password. Legitimate companies will not request this kind of information in this way.
- Shield your computer from viruses and spyware.
Protect your personal information on your home computer. Use strong passwords: with at least eight characters, including a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols, easy for you to remember, but difficult for others to guess.
Visit OIT's Security web site for information on protecting your computer from these types of intrusions.
-
Protect your Social Security number. Don't carry your Social Security card in your wallet. If your health plan (other than Medicare) or another card uses your Social Security number, ask the company for a different number. For more information, visit the Social Security Website and read "Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number"
- Shred or destroy papers containing your personal information. Shred or tear up papers with personal information before you throw them away.
Shred credit card offers and "convenience checks" that you don't use.
- Check your bills and bank statements.
Open your credit card bills and bank statements right away. Check carefully for any unauthorized charges or withdrawals and report them immediately. Call if bills don't arrive on time. It may mean that someone has changed contact information to hide fraudulent charges.
-
Stop pre-approved credit offers. Stop most pre-approved credit card offers. They make a tempting target for identity thieves who steal your mail. Have your name removed from credit bureau marketing lists. Call toll-free 888-5OPTOUT (888-567-8688) .
- Ask questions. Ask questions whenever you are asked for personal information that seems inappropriate for the transaction. Ask how the information will be used and if it will be shared. Ask how it will be protected. Explain that you're concerned about identity theft. If you're not satisfied with the answers, consider going somewhere else.
- Regularly check your credit reports. One of the best ways to protect yourself from identity theft is to monitor your credit history. There are many ways to obtain copies of your credit reports. Getting a free report from a different credit bureau every four months will help you to monitor changes in your credit history throughout the year.
|
|
