Protect your identity and your credit...

I ran across this article while doing some research for a friend who recently became a victim of identity theft. The information was so thorough, I really thought it should be shared with all of you.

Read the June 2004 UNFCU article in its entirety here.

From the article, here are suggestions to help protect yourself and your family from identity theft and what to do if your identity becomes compromised-

Protection Against ID Theft

ﾀ Carry only the most essential items you will need that day in a wallet or purse.

ﾀ Keep money in a separate wallet from your credit card and drivers license.

ﾀ When using ATMs at non-financial institutions, check to see if there is a false front, "barnacle" with a card reader unit attached. Be aware of individuals who are standing too close to you, called shoulder surfers, at the ATM.

ﾀ Never supply sensitive information (such as user ID and passwords) via email

ﾀ Be wary of emails from unknown sources, especially those requesting updates of financial information.

ﾀ When shopping online ensure that you look for the "lock" icon on the browser's status bar as well as the "https" in the website address. ﾀ Purchase a shredder. (Pieces need to be small enough to avoid their being glued together.) Secure financial records in a safety deposit box.

ﾀ Select unique Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) that differ from your date of birth, telephone number or the last 10 digits of your Social Security Number.

ﾀ Do not hit Opt Out or answer email solicitations, stating that you have just won US/euros $1 million, a common confidence game. Purchase an Internet spaming software to prevent unwanted emails.

ﾀ Do not post a personal Web page, which includes your genealogy (mother's maiden name) or any personal identifying information.

ﾀ Screen requests from stores for birth dates other personal information to be used in special promotions. Decide whether it is worth the risk to provide this data.

ﾀ If you reside in the U.S., monitor your credit history, by requesting a copy of your credit report annually. Major US Credit Bureaus and their web- sites include: Equifax, www.equifax.com, Experian, www.experian.com and Trans Union, www.transunion.com.

ﾀ Check your credit union/bank and credit card statements closely to see if there are charges that you do not recognize.

ﾀ Have your name removed from mailing lists via direct marketing name removal sites: Direct Marketing Email (for emails) at www.e-mps.org and Direct Marketing (for regular mail delivery for national marketing campaigns) at http://www.the-dma.org/

ﾀ Beware the least suspected, such as roommates, teenagers and outside help and service providers.

ﾀ Remove incoming mail from your mailbox as quickly as possible. If you live in the US and plan to be away for a while, call the US Postal Service at 1-800-275-877 and request a "vacation hold." If you happen to relocate, provide UNFCU with your home address information in advance, or immediately after relocating.

ﾀ Use one credit card for Internet purchases.

ﾀ When you view your financial information online, do not leave your computer unattended and be certain to log off when you are finished.

What to Do If You Have Become a Victim

ﾀ Alert UNFCU, as well as other creditors and financial institutions, by telephone and in writing about the situation and discuss next steps concerning your membership. Close all accounts you believe have been tampered.

ﾀ Report the crime to the police. Ask the police to issue a police report to submit to your creditors and others that may require proof of the crime.

ﾀ Keep copies of correspondence and documents related to the theft.

ﾀ If you have a U.S. Social Security Number, contact the fraud departments of one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax (1-800-685-111), Experian (1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742) and Trans Union (1-800- 888-4213). Request to have a "Fraud Alert/Victim Impact" statement placed in your credit file asking for creditors to call you before opening any new accounts. As soon as the credit bureau confirms your fraud alert, the other two credit bureaus will be automatically notified to place fraud alerts, and all three credit reports will be sent to you free of charge.

ﾀ Contact the Federal Trade Commission at www.FTC.gov or telephone 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338) to file a complaint