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AVOID IDENTITY THEFT
Fight Back with Three Simple Effective Steps
DETER-DETECT-DEFEND
"Identity theft is a serious crime. It occurs
when your personal information is stolen and used
without your knowledge to commit fraud or other
crimes. Identity theft can cost you time and money.
It can destroy your credit and ruin your good name.
In 2006, there were over 10,000 victims in Illinois
of identity theft. Don't be one of them. You can
fight back by following these three simple but
effective steps.
DETER
Deter identity thieves by safeguarding your
information.
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SHRED financial documents and paperwork with
personal information before you discard them.
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PROTECT your Social Security number. Don't carry
your Social Security card in your wallet or
purse or write your Social Security number on a
check. Give it out only if absolutely necessary
or ask to use another identifier.
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DON'T give out personal information on the
phone, through the mail, or over the Internet
unless you know who you are dealing with.
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NEVER CLICK ON links sent in unsolicited emails;
instead, type in a web address you know. Use
firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-virus software
to protect your home computer and keep them up
to date.
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DON'T Use a obvious password like your birth
date, your mother's maiden name, or the last
four digits of your social security number.
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KEEP your personal information in a secure place
at home, especially if you have roommates,
employ outside help, or are having work done in
your house.
DETECT
Detect suspicious activity by routinely monitoring
your financial accounts and billing statements.
Be
alert to signs that require immediate attention:
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Bills that do not arrive as expected.
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Unexpected credit cards or account statements.
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Denials of credit for no apparent reason.
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Calls or letters about purchases you did not
make.
Inspect:
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Your credit report. Credit reports contain
information about you, including what accounts
you have and your bill paying history.
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The law requires the major nationwide consumer
reporting companies Equifax, Experian and
TransUnion to give you a free copy of your
credit report each year if you ask for it.
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Visit
www.AnnualCreditReport.com or call
1-877-322-8228, a service created by the above
three companies, to order your free credit
reports each year. You can also write: Annual
Credit Report Request Service, PO Box 105281,
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.
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Your financial statements. Review financial
accounts and billing statements regularly,
looking for charges you did not make.
DEFEND
Defend against ID theft as soon as you suspect it.
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Place a "Fraud Alert" on your credit reports
and review the reports carefully. The alert
tells creditors to follow certain procedures
before they open new accounts in your name or
make changes to your existing accounts. The
three nationwide consumer reporting companies
have toll free numbers for placing an initial 90
day fraud alert; a call to one company is
sufficient:
- EQUIFAX: 1-800-525-6285
- EXPERIAN: 1-888-397-3742
- TRANSUNION: 1-800-680-7289
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Placing a "Fraud Alert" entitles you to free
copies of your credit reports. Look for
inquiries from companies you hadn't contacted,
accounts you didn't open, and debts on your
accounts that you can't explain.
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CLOSE ACCOUNTS. Close any accounts that
have been tampered with or established
fraudulently.
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Call the security or fraud departments of each
company where an account was opened or changed
without your okay. Follow up in writing, with
copies of supporting documents.
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Ask for verification that the disputed account
has been closed and the fraudulent debts
discharged.
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Keep copies of documents and records of your
conversations about the theft
FILE A POLICE REPORT
Contact the Quincy Police Department immediately. We
have trained officers who will investigate your
complaint and offer you assistance.
COMMON WAYS ID THEFT HAPPENS
Skilled identity thieves use a variety of
methods to steal your personal information,
including the following:
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Dumpster Diving: Thieves rummage through
your trash looking for bills or other paper with
your personal information on it.
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Skimming: Thieves steal credit/debit card
numbers by using a special storage device when
processing your card.
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Phishing: Thieves pretend to be financial
institutions or companies and send spam or
pop-up messages to get you to reveal your
personal information.
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Changing your address: Thieves divert
your billing statements to another location by
completing a "change of address" form.
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"OLD FASHIONED" STEALING: Thieves steal
wallets and purses; mail, including bank
statements and credit card statements;
pre-approved credit offers; and new checks
and/or tax information. Thieves steal personal
records from their employers, or bride employees
who have access.
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