Identity Theft Prevention

Dumpster diving is a common method used by thieves – going through garbage in search of any paperwork and bills that will provide personal information. To prevent a thief from obtaining your information from the garbage, consider shredding all bills and other paperwork that has personal information on it.

Thieves use devices to pull information from the magnetic strip on the back of credit and debit cards, a method called skimming. A skimmer device is typically located very close to or over the card reader or any other device where cards are processed, such as a gas station pump. Thieves use plaster and plastic to conceal the device, making appear to be part of the manufacturer’s design.

Small cameras are also used to capture users’ PINs. To help prevent skimming, be observant of the ATM or other card processing centers. If you notice tape residue, report this immediately to the institution or business, as many thieves use double-sided adhesives when placing skimming devices. Also, consider using your hand to shield your PIN and practice debit card and ATM safety tips.

Through a method called phishing, thieves use email, text messaging and pop-up messaging to pose as financial institutions or other businesses trying to trick you into revealing your personal information. To prevent phishing, delete any emails, text messages or pop-up messages you receive asking you to confirm or provide personal information, such as account numbers, your Social Security number or passwords. Legitimate companies never ask for personal information through these types of platforms. If you are concerned about your account, contact the business or financial institution immediately.

Pretexting is another method used by thieves, posing as a business or financial institution to get you to reveal your personal information. These thieves may then sell your information to people who can use it to steal your identity. To prevent pretexting, be cautious when giving out any personal information to a caller over the phone, such as your address, birthday, account numbers or Social Security number. Always be aware of the situation, and if anything seems out of the ordinary or you suspect uncommon activity, contact the business or financial institution immediately.

Identity thieves use a simple method of changing your address by completing a change of address form to collect your personal information. Billing statements and other letters that include personal information are diverted to the new address. To prevent this method, be observant of missing bills or letters you are expecting. If you notice certain bills are not arriving as they typically do, immediately contact the postal service in your area or the billing institution.

While identity thieves are becoming more sophisticated with their methods of stealing identities, many thieves still use the old-fashion method – by stealing purses, wallets and mail. Thieves can then obtain access to your debit and credit cards, pre-approved credit offers, billing statements and other personal information. If you notice that your wallet or purse is missing or you notice that expected mail is not arriving, immediately report this to the authorities.

Children can also become victims of identity theft. Just as thieves may use adult identities to open new accounts, apply for loans or rent housing, they can also do this with your child’s identity. It is vital that you protect your child’s information, just as you protect your own.

Know the warning signs. One of the main ways to observe if your child is a victim of identity theft is to check to see if they have a credit report. If they do, you should contact the three major credit bureaus:

• Equifax | 888-378-4329
• Experian | 888-397-3742
• TransUnion | 800-680-7289

You can request a manual search of your child’s file, which they will search based on your child’s name and Social Security number. The credit bureau may request copies of identification documents before completing the search.

Other signs your child’s identity has been stolen include receiving a notification from the IRS that your child’s Social Security number has been used on another tax return or receiving calls or bills from products you never ordered.