Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

Imagine getting a $7,000 phone bill for a cell phone you don't own. Or receiving heat and electric bills for an apartment where you don't live. That's what happened to Emily Jensen (not her real name). In both instances the products and services were purchased under her name and Social Security number. Emily was a victim of identity theft.

It's not really difficult to steal another's identity. Thieves get information by stealing your wallet or purse, pilfering from your mail box, going through your trash, watching your transactions at automated teller machines, or posing as an employer or landlord to get your credit report.

According to the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, there are about 400,000 victims a year. That number is expected to increase by 40% annually. Although it seems relatively easy for these thieves to rob your identity, it's equally simple to protect yourself.

Take care with your personal information; follow these simple steps to ensure your identity remains yours.

Don't carry your Social Security card, passport, or birth certificate in your wallet. Keep them in a safe place at home. Furthermore, don't give your credit card or Social Security information over the phone unless you initiate the call and know to whom you are talking. Also give your Social Security number only when absolutely necessary. Ask if you may use other forms of identification.

Keep documents with personal information safe, including credit card and check card receipts. Shred them when you dispose of them. Also, before you reveal personal information, find out how it will be used and shared with others.

Reduce the number of credit cards you carry. Keep an emergency phone list of credit card companies to contact in case your credit cards are lost or stolen.

Open and read all financial statements and bills (by mail or eStatement) as soon as you get them. Look at transaction activity. If you see any you did not make, notify the financial institution or biller in writing. You can notify DCU through PC Branch. Log in with your Member Number and password and go to Contact Us. Email and forms sent to us behind the security of PC Branch carry the weight of a signed document.

Order your credit reports and check for fraudulent activity at least once a year. You can order credit reports through our web site from Balance or by logging onto www.experian.com, www.transunion.com, or www.equifax.com. Or you can call Experian at 888.397.3742, TransUnion at 800.888.4213, or Equifax at 800.685.1111. Credit reports normally cost about $10-$15. DCU also offers FICO Credit Services within PC Branch.

If you are the victim of identity theft, call the Federal Trade Commission at 877-ID-THEFT. Log on to its web site at www.consumer.gov/idtheft to learn more about this crime and how to prevent it.

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