ID Theft

Tips to prevent ID theft?

Public Comments

1. Shred receipts, hide your checks, keep your credit cards close to you and don't give anyone your Social Security #. Constantly check your credit reports as well.
2. In addition, call the three credit reporting companies and request fraud monitoring be placed on your records. This does make it a little bit of a pain to get "instant credit", but it will allow you to take control of any new accounts being opened under your indentity. Also, if you have health insurance, check your card. Many health insurers use your social security number as your member number. Insurers have been moving away from this practice as the problem of indentity theft has grown, but some still use your ssn. Many that still do will reissue your card with a different member number if you request it.