DETER DETECT DEFEND Yourself from Identity Theft

Stop Electronic Pickpocketing - the new wave of Identity Theft!

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chips are replacing the magnetic strips on credit and debit cards, passports, ID cards and licenses in some states. The RFID chip emits information electronically, including the account number that is needed to complete a transaction. RFID technology is popular because chip “readers” can pick up the signal when you wave your card rather than swipe it. Unfortunately, identity thieves can use hand-held RFID readers to scan and copy your cards, even when they are in your purse or wallet.

Contact SHJ for a complimentary Secure Sleeve® to protect your card/s from being skimmed. Secure Sleeves® are lined with foil to block RFID signals, and should protect your cards from being skimmed. This is an important habit to begin because your card may not currently have the RFID chip; the goal of card issuers is to convert all cards to RFID chips over the next 2-3 years.

SH&J recommends that you photocopy all of the contents in your wallet and keep the information in multiple places so that if your wallet or any contents are stolen or lost you have the information you need to report and replace items.

Shred financial documents and paperwork before you discard them.

Shredding Guidelines Document Click Here

Protect your Social Security number. Don’t carry your SS card in your wallet or write it on your checks. Give it out only when absolutely necessary or ask to use another identifier.

Don’t give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or over the Internet unless you know who you are dealing with.

Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails; instead, type in a web address you know. Use firewalls, anti-spyware and anti-virus software.

How To Identify a Secure Website Click Here

Don’t use an obvious password like your birthday or the last four digits of your SS number. Be sure that someone you trust has your passwords in case you become unable to do your personal business.

DETECT suspicious activity by routinely monitoring your financial accounts and billing statements.

Be alert to signs that require immediate attention:

Bills that do not arrive as expected
Unexpected credit cards or account statements
Denials of credit for no apparent reason
Calls or letters about purchases you did not make
Charges on your financial statement that you don’t recognize

Inspect your credit report. The law requires the major credit reporting companies - Equifax, Experian and TransUnion - to give you a free copy of your credit report every 12 months if you ask for it. Visit www.AnnualCreditReport.com or call 1-877-322-8228, a service created by these three companies, to order your free annual credit report.

If you see accounts or addresses you don’t recognize or information that is inaccurate, contact the credit reporting company and the information provider. To find out how to correct errors on your credit report, visit www.ftc.gov.idtheft.

DEFEND against ID theft as soon as you suspect it.

Place a “Fraud Alert” on your credit reports and review the reports carefully. The alerts tell creditors to follow certain procedures before they open accounts in your name or change your existing accounts. Place an initial 90-day fraud alert by calling any one of the three credit reporting companies at:

Experian:1-800-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
Equifax: 1-800-525-6275

Contact the fraud department of each company where an account was opened or changed without your okay.

File a police report with law enforcement officials to help you correct your credit report and deal with credits who may want proof of the crime.

Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission. Your report helps law enforcement officials across the country in their investigations.

Online: ftc.gov/Idtheft
Phone: 1-877-THEFT (438-4338)
Mail: Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580

Learn How to Protect Yourself Against Healthcare Fraud: http://www.dora.state.co.us/insurance/senior/art3.htm
http://www.smpresource.org