Helps in fighting back identity Fraud
You may have noticed, but the Federal Trade Commission is trying to help consumers fight identity fraud.Their literature outlines three phases of protection:Deter, Detect, and Defend.
Deter:
- Shred financial documents and personal information. (Just think, that old tax return thrown in the trash can linger at the dump for a very long time.)
- Protect your social security number: Do not carry your card; never write it on a check; don’t give it over the phone to unknown callers.
- Do not give out personal information on the phone, internet, or mail unless it is a secured site. (The bottom of secured pages used in money transactions have a seal linked to a web site that certifies that the site is secure.)
- Never click on links sent in unsolicited e-mails, but type in the address.
- Don’t use obvious passwords like: birthdate, maiden name, last four of social.
- Keep you personal information in a secure place, especially if you have roommates, domestic help, and parties.
Detect:
- Periodically run a free credit report
- Review your credit card and bank statements each month.
- Register for online banking. You can set up alerts that e-mail you when certain events happen in addition to letting you know your balance at all times.
Defend:
- If your identity is compromised, place a “Fraud Alert” on your credit reports, and review carefully.
- Close accounts tampered.
- File a police report. Law enforcement officers may help with creditors who may want proof of the crime.
- Report theft to FTC. Ftc.gov/idtheft
Common Thefts:
- Dumpster Diving: Rummaging through trash
- Skimming: Stolen credit/debit card numbers using a special device when processing your card.
- Phishing: Information sent by the thief masquerading as a bank or financial institution.
- Change of Address: Diverts your mail with a change of address form.
- Stealing
We help safeguard our client’s information both in their business and personal lives.