Do not carry your Social Security Card or Medicare card in your wallet or purse. Never give out that personal information to just anyone (cashiers, entries for “sweepstakes” or to anyone over the phone). Minimize the use of your Social Security Number (SSN) for non-Social Security purposes such as State-issued forms.
On the telephone – never give out (or “verify”) personally sensitive information to anyone who calls you. Even if you initiate the call, be careful of giving out personal information over the telephone. Conduct your business in person to the maximum extent possible.
Check your bill statements at least monthly and your credit reports annually.
Equifax: 1-800-685-1111 (http://www.equifax.com)
TransUnion: 1-800-888-4213 (http://transunion.com)
Experian: 1-888-397-3742 (http://experian.com)
When discarding old billing statements, receipts, or bills make sure you destroy them so the information can not be recovered by “dumpster divers.” Shredders are a low cost investment to prevent ID theft. Or use your fireplace and save on fuel costs.
For opting out of “credit card offers” call: 1-888-567-8688. Destroy any offers or cards that you don’t take – otherwise someone else can find and use it.
Register with the National Do Not Call Registry “1-888-382-1222” to stop telemarketer calls for up to 5 years.
Say, “Put me on your Do Not Call list” to anyone else who calls. Say, “I do not contribute to charities over the phone.”
Safely store your valuable personal information at home. Break-in thieves are now targeting information as well as goods.
Use a Uni-Ball “207” gel pen to sign checks and prevent “check washing.” Carry a Uni-Ball to sign credit slips at restaurants and shops to prevent your signed charge slip from being altered. Always add the "$" before the amount to discourage anyone from adding a digit (or two) to your bill.
If you receive “official” looking letters in the mail, use your phone book to verify that the letter is genuine by calling the listed number of the office that the letter purports to come from. DON’T CALL THE NUMBERs LISTED ON THE LETTER UNLESS IT MATCHES THE ONE LISTED IN THE PHONEBOOK.
Avoiding SCAMS, CONS, SWINDLES, & FRAUDS
Remember this mnemonic device "SCAM"
Be Skeptical until proven otherwise – if it sounds too good to be true…
Be Calm – don’t let panic or emotion rush you, your actions or decisions.
Be Alert – know what is happening around you. If you don’t know what is going on, ASK.
and Minimize your contacts with strangers who approach you. Be wary and don’t share information with anyone not well known to you.
INVESTIGATE BEFORE YOU INVEST
Online government resources:
http://www.consumeraction.gov 1-888-878-3256
Consumer Action Handbook, free 160 pages, 3-4 weeks for delivery.
http://www.ftc.gov Federal Trade Commission for ID theft, senior scams
http://www.ssa.gov Social Security Administration, 1-800-269-0271 if
you suspect your Social Security Number has been compromised/stolen.
http://www.sec.gov Securities and Exchange Commission for investment
frauds.
