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Avoiding Identity Theft.
Your identity is arguably your most valuable
possession. A clean legal record and credit history open the door
for work, mortgage loans and other day-to-day privileges that most
people take for granted.
Stains on those records can take years to
erase, but most people pay more attention to securing their car than
protecting personal data. That's why identity theft last year struck
9.9 million Americans, costing businesses and individuals $53
billion, according to a survey commissioned by the Federal Trade
Commission.
Identity thieves are a lot like car thieves,
experts say: If they want your information badly enough, they'll
probably get it. But taking a few simple precautions can make you a
much less attractive target.
Simple Steps for Protecting
Your Identity
• Buy a Shredder: This is one of the easiest ways to guard
against "Dumpster diving," says Naomi Lefkovitz, an attorney for the
FTC's identity theft program. Identity thieves prowl public dumps
and big trash bins looking for sensitive documents like credit card
statements. Many of those papers contain all the information a thief
needs to hijack your identity.
• Don't Trust Your E-Mail: The latest
ploy of ID thieves is to send consumers official-looking e-mail
messages that appear to come from companies you've done business
with. The e-mail messages request passwords and other personal data.
The practice -- called "phishing" -- can dupe even savvy consumers.
When in doubt, verify by phone or through the company's Web site
that the e-mail is real.
• Get Your Credit Report: It's always a
good time to get copies of your credit report from the three major
credit bureaus -- Equifax,
Experian and
TransUnion. It won't
protect you from theft, but it will let you spot suspicious activity
taking place in your name. They normally charge around $10 for a
copy, and consumers are encouraged obtain reports from all three
bureaus; some deals offer reports from all three bureaus for a
single price.
• Protect Your Social Security Number:
The Social Security number has become a de facto customer ID, but
most of the time you don't have to give it away. SSNs are like spun
gold to identity thieves. The FTC's Lefkovitz advises consumers to
ask companies that request an SSN why they need it. Retail stores,
utility companies and insurers are among the sorts of companies that
probably don't need your Social Security number -- even if they ask
for it. The law doesn't prevent them from asking, but many will back
down if you insist on keeping your number private.
• Make Sure Your SSN Isn't on Your Driver's
License: State motor vehicle departments are required to collect
Social Security numbers before they dole out driver's licenses or ID
cards, but states are not required to display the number on license
cards. In most states you can ask to be issued a unique driver's
license number. A new Virginia law bans the practice of using Social
Security numbers on licenses or ID cards. Maryland licenses don't
use SSNs, and District resident are issued a random driver's license
number unless they request otherwise.
• Keep Your Mother's Maiden Name Between You
and Her: When a company asks for your mother's maiden name, what
they really want is a password that only you know. Since your
mother's maiden name is easily discovered, consider a different
password.
• Talk to Your Boss: Some of the biggest sources of
personal data are companies that fail to destroy sensitive documents
or leave their computer systems unprotected. Ask your boss or human
resources contact how they protect your information. Some states
have laws requiring safe disposal of employee documents.
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