14 Steps You Can Take to Prevent Identity Theft

 Identity Theft occurs when a criminal uses another person's personal information to assume that person's identity. The chances of being a victim of some form of identity theft are one in ten, according to the FTC. There are steps you can take to reduce your risk of becoming a victim. Identity thieves pose as representatives of banks, lotteries, sweepstakes, internet service providers. They will try anything to get you to reveal your valuable information.

9.9 million people were victims of identity theft in 2002. Don't wait for it to happen to you.

The Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act, or FACTA, was enacted in the United States to protect consumers from identity theft and to aid in its prevention. FACTA ensures that all citizens are treated fairly when applying for a mortgage or other form of credit, and it entitles them to a free annual credit report to verify the accuracy of their credit report.

Identity Theft, which has become a major epidemic, occurs when a criminal uses another person's personal information to assume that person's identity. Misuse of a Social Security number, credit cards, mail fraud, scam, schemes, frauds, or any other form of misuse or abuse of a victim's identity is considered identity theft.

Although there is no guarantee that you will never be a victim, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Here is a list of 14 steps you can take to prevent or at least reduce the likelihood of its occurrence:

1. Manage your personal information with caution and a new awareness that identity theft can happen anywhere, at any time, and when you least expect it.

2. Inquire about security procedures at your workplace, doctor's office, or any other business or organization that collects relevant and personally identifying information as part of doing business or providing a service. Determine who has access to your personal information and ensure that it is kept secure. Inquire about their disposal procedures and whether or not your personal information will be shared with anyone else (namely third parties such as mailing list companies, marketing and survey companies, etc.).

3. Instead of providing your Social Security Number, ask if you can use alternative forms of identification. Only use your Social Security Number when absolutely necessary.

"Your chances of being a victim of some form of identity theft are one in ten," according to the Federal Trade Commission.

4. If you believe you have been victimized, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission right away. The FTC keeps a database of identity theft cases that law enforcement agencies can use to conduct investigations. Filing a complaint allows the FTC to learn more about identity theft and the problems that victims face. This information allows them to better assist you.

5. Carry only your identification and the number of credit and debit cards you intend to use. Extra cards should be kept in a safe place at home, a safety deposit box, or another secure location.

6. Never give out personal information over the phone, by mail, or over the internet unless you are absolutely certain you know and can trust the person with whom you are communicating. Caution: Before disclosing personal information, make certain that you are dealing with a legitimate company or organization. (If you have any doubts about an online communication, go to the organization's website by typing its URL into the address bar. When large corporations become aware of a scam involving their brand, they usually post an alert on their websites.)

Identity thieves frequently pose as representatives of banks, lotteries, sweepstakes, internet service providers, or other legitimate-sounding entities. They will try anything to get you to reveal your valuable information.

7. Call the Customer Service Department of companies or organizations with whom you do business using the number listed on your account statement or in the telephone book.

8. Never use passwords on your credit card, bank, or phone accounts.

9. Avoid using obvious information in your password, such as your mother's maiden name, birth date, a series of consecutive numbers, or the last four digits of your Social Security Number or phone number.

10. Keep track of your billing cycles. A missing bill could indicate that an identity thief has obtained it.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, 9.9 million people were victims of identity theft in 2002. Don't wait for it to happen to you.

11. Be wary of promotional scams or phony offers to obtain your personal information, such as lottery and sweepstakes entries that you have never entered and those that request a "administration" fee.

12. Never leave your purse or wallet in your personal clothes if your job requires you to wear special clothing to work. Always keep them in a secure location.

13. When reordering checks, pick them up at the bank rather than having them mailed to you.

14. Request a current credit report from one of the following major credit bureaus:

P.O. Box 740241 Atlanta, GA 30374-0241 Equifax

To receive Fraud Alerts, call 800-525-6285.

P.O. Box 2002 Allen, TX 75013 Experian

To receive Fraud Alerts, dial 888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)

Trans Union: Chester, PA 19022, P.O. Box 1000

To receive Fraud Alerts, dial 800-680-7289.