Identity Theft

Presented at ENG on June 22, 2006

by Cheryl Channic, Illinois State Treasurer's Office

Summarized by Beth Sullivan

Ms. Channic spoke on the topic of identity theft from a “Do” and “Don’t” perspective and distributed a booklet available through the Treasurer’s office entitled: Identity Theft and Consumer Fraud Information.

Do Not:

• Carry your social security card.
• Use Debit cards on-line.
• Cancel unused credit cards all at once—can negatively affect your credit rating. Do 1 or 2 per year.
• Give information or money to “Fraternal Order of [anything]---they are a marketing scam.
• Give phone number at cash register—say “decline”.
• Confirm or give any personal or account information requested by phone from someone allegedly representing your bank, a credit care company, etc.
• Put mail in your home delivery box for pick-up---thieves take it.
• Give your credit card to wait staff in a restaurant---they use card readers to scan and sell you account number.
• Do not give prospective employers your SS number if possible. Give only last 4 digits.
• Sign your credit cards---put C.I.D. on back instead. (Note: Post Office, and perhaps others, will not honor cards without a signature.)

Do:

• Get a new license if yours has your SS number on it (tell them why and there is no charge).
• Get a new medical insurance card if your SS number is on it.
• Get your credit report annually from one of the top 3 reporting agencies---you’re entitled to 1 free one/ year. Correct any errors in writing.
• Make a copy—front and back—of everything in your wallet so you can contact companies in the event of theft.
• Always file a police report when wallet is stolen.
• Order only 1 box of replacement checks at a time and, when delivered, make sure all checks are present and properly sequenced.
• Monitor all of your financial statements carefully.
• Shred, preferably with dual horizontal and vertical shedder, all sensitive papers. Or, put paper in bucket of water and than throw away.
• Use a ‘gel’ ink pen when writing checks—can’t be ‘washed’ off by those who would re-write check with new amount and payee.
• Put your cell phone number on the ‘do not call list’.
• Match receipts to monthly statements.