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www.anybirthday.com advertises
over 150 million names and dates of birth.
You can subscribe to get address information as well.
You can remove you name from the list by choosing the “Privacy” key
and selecting the “Opt Out Option.”
Can you think of a reason why you would want people to have this
information? If not, opt out! |
Shred all pre-approved credit card applications, receipts, bills and any
other financial information.
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Recommendation:
double cut shredders are best.
They cut paper into small bits.
Strip cutting machines can leave account numbers and other
important information intact on one of the strips if the paper is inserted
incorrectly.
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Empty your wallet of extra credit cards and Ids. Cancel the cards you
don’t need.
Order your credit report from the three credit bureaus once a year.
Check for fraudulent activity and close accounts that are not needed.
Never leave receipts anywhere! Many list your credit card or bank
account numbers. If you don’t need it, destroy it.
Memorize your social security number, PIN numbers and passwords. Do not
record them on any cards or on anything in your wallet or purse.
Credit Cards – sign them as soon as you get them. Save all receipts and
match them with your monthly bills.
Be aware of when bills are expected. If they do not arrive, contact your
financial institution. Notify your credit card companies and banks in advance
of any change of address or phone number.
In Massachusetts, change your driver’s license number to a random “S”
number.
If an institution with whom you are affiliated uses your Social Security
number as an identification number (i.e. health insurance cards, college Ids),
question why this is necessary and have it changed if possible.
Report all lost or stolen credit cards immediately.
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Police Investigations:
Tracking the use of a stolen credit
card is critical to apprehending the thief.
Police must have your account numbers immediately.
Police and bank investigators can locate where the credit card was
used and witnesses can be quickly identified.
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Closely monitor the mail if you applied for a credit card or if a
credit card is expiring. If you do not receive your new or replacement card,
notify the credit card issuer immediately.
Beware of mail, telephone, e-mail or fax solicitations disguised as
promotions.
When on-line, make sure to use secure websites when entering credit card
information. Most secure locations provide a “https” address.
Business records and accounts are as important as personal papers. In addition, you are entrusted with employee and customer information that can be used in credit card fraud. Records, files and computer data must be protected from unauthorized access. Any person (including family members) who is allowed access to this information must be subject to having their work inspected and/or audited. It is best to keep this information separate and secure if not needed to conduct business.
How do you recover from being a
victim?
The first
steps are the most important:
If you are the victim of a recent theft – NOTIFY the POLICE.
Contact the three credit bureaus and ask to have a “Fraud Alert/Victim
Impact” statement placed in your credit file. This will require creditors to
call before opening a new account.
If you are questioning the validity of a business in Massachusetts then you can contact the Massachusetts Attorney Generals Office: www.ago.state.ma.us
| EQUIFAX | Experian | TransUnion |
| P.O. Box 105873 | P.O. Box 949 | P.O. Box 390 |
| Atlanta, GA 30348 | Allen, TX 75013-0949 | Springfield, PA 19064-0390 |
| 1-800-997-2493 | 1-888-397-3742 | 1-800-916-8800 |
| www.equifax.com | www.experian.com | www.transunion.com |
Massachusetts’s law entitles you to one free credit report per year. The procedures for each company are very similar. Telephone reports are directed to their fraud units – company representatives will assist you with reporting credit fraud or identity theft. The websites also provide excellent information.
Federal Trade Commission
The Federal Trade Commission
is a central depository for reporting credit fraud and identity theft. The FTC
has an ID Theft Affidavit that is now accepted by most financial institutions.
Telephone 1-800-IDTHEFT (1-800-438-4338)
www.ftc.gov -- click on CONSUMER PROTECTION and then ID THEFT
Additional steps to
take:
Contact all creditors, by phone and in writing, to inform them of the
problem. Use the ID Theft Affidavit if available.
Contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service if your mail might be
involved. They are available online at
www.usps.gov/postalinspectors or see the local federal phone listing in your
area.
Alert your banks to flag your accounts and contact you to confirm any
unusual activity. Request a change of PIN and a new password.
Keep a log of all your contacts and make copies of all documents. You
may also wish to contact a privacy or consumer advocacy group regarding illegal
activity.
Contact the Social Security Administration’s Fraud Hotline at
1-800-269-0271.
Take steps to prevent this from happening again.
This information is drawn from many sources including:
U.S. Postal Inspection Service (Identity Theft brochure); TransUnion website;
Georgia state “STOP I.T.” program; Experian website; Boston Globe; A.P. Press;
and old fashion police work.
Prepared
by:
Lt. Joseph O'Leary
Detective Bureau Commander
Lexington Police Department
1575 Massachusetts Avenue
Lexington, Ma 02420
www.lexingtonpolice.org
(781)-862-1212 (781)-863-1291 (fax)
