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Credit and Bankruptcy Law

Introduction

What are some ways to prevent identity theft?

Some good tips include:

  • If you lose your credit card, report it to the credit card company as soon as possible.

  • Make sure your credit card information and any passwords for online sites are kept in a secure place.

  • Never provide personal information over the phone or online unless you trust the business one hundred percent.

  • Monitor your credit card reports closely to make sure there are no charges you did not authorize. If there are, contact your credit card company promptly.

  • Do not put your social security number or other important personal information, such as a birth date or mother’s maiden name, on checks, postcards, or envelopes.

  • Use passwords that are not easy to guess and do not include your birth date, social security number, personal name, etc.

  • Do not respond to emails allegedly from your bank, credit card company, or PayPal that ask you for your credit card information. They are almost always fraudulent.

  • Install firewalls, anti-virus, and anti-spyware on your computer and keep these programs updated.

  • Do not click on links on unsolicited emails.

  • Although in some states it is illegal to print full credit card numbers on receipts, some businesses still do this. Always keep these receipts and destroy them when you no longer need them.

  • Much identity theft is low-tech. Information can be stolen from mail boxes, so always pick up your mail as soon as possible, rather than leaving it in your mailbox. And don’t leave your mail for pick up.

  • Order a free copy of your credit report to check for anything unusual or unexpected. To order your free annual report from one or all the national consumer reporting companies, visit www.annualcreditreport.com, call toll-free 877-322-8228, or complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form and mail it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.

  • Reduce the amount of unsolicited mail you receive by calling 1-888-5OPT-OUT. To receive less national advertising mail, you can pay one dollar to register for the Direct Marketing Association’s Mail Preference Service. They can be reached at www.dmachoice.org, or P.O. Box 282, Carmel, NY 10512.