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According to the FTC, there were more than 8 million identity theft victims in 2006 and 2007. There is a global black market for stolen names, addresses, birth dates, Social Security numbers, computer log-ons and passwords. The average theft is $4,000 in fraudulent charges, and 16% of victims –mostly debit card victims –end up having to pay some or all of the costs of the fraudulent purchases. You might not have any recourse if fraudulent charges are made in your name and you don’t dispute them promptly with your credit card company. Identity theft can take from 80 hours up to a year to clean-up, just to clear your name and restore your credit.
There are 2 common kinds of identity theft:
1) Account take over - they steal your account numbers and use them, or
2) Application fraud - they open new accounts in your name.
How do they do it? They steal wallets, steal or open your mail, go through your trash, steal information from where you work or do business, or complete a change of address form to divert your mail.
How do you protect yourself? Do not let your wallet or purse get stolen.
Your Social Security number is the key to credit and banking accounts and the main target of criminals. Be sure your Social Security number is not on your driver’s license, your checks, or any other I.D. Do not carry your Social Security card in your wallet and do not put your Social Security number on your checks. Your checks should only have your name and address printed on them and no other I.D. information. If you order new checks, do not have them sent to your house. Pick them up at the bank. Never give out your Social Security, credit or debit card number over the phone. Do not use the last 4 digits of your Social Security number when creating passwords or pin numbers. AARP has suggested you carry a copy (not the original) of your Medicare card in your wallet and cut off the last 4 numbers on the copy.
Do not mail checks from your home mailbox. Put your mail in a locked P.O. box before the last pick-up.
Guard your mail and your trash. Have your mail held at the P.O. if you will be gone.
Check your credit card statement carefully for charges you did not make. Do not leave credit card receipts behind when you make a purchase. Do not throw pre-approved credit card offers in the trash. Use a shredder.
Get a free copy of your credit report at least once a year and check it carefully for any accounts you did not open. Call 1-877-322-8228, or order it online.
Close all accounts that have been compromised and report any thefts or fraud immediately to:
Sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry online or call 888-382-1222.
Gloria T. Nye, Ph.D., Family & Consumer Sciences Agent
St. Landry, St. Martin & Evangeline Parishes
LSU AgCenter
1065 Highway 749, Suite A
Opelousas, LA 70570-0005
337-948-0561 (O) 337-948-0564 (F)
