Protect Your Identity

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your name, Social Security number, credit card number or other identifying information without your permission.

To prevent identity theft:

• Destroy receipts that contain your credit card or bank account numbers.

• Destroy credit card offers with your bank account or Social Security number.

• Don’t carry your Social Security card with you.

• Never give anyone your Social Security number or credit card number over the phone — unless you initiated the call.

• Trust your instincts—If you receive a piece of mail with an offer that sounds too good to be true, it probably is a scam designed to take money or personal information from you. Ignore it.

• Do not give out any financial or personal information through email. If you get an email message asking for this information, do not reply or click on the link in the message. This is called “phishing” and is an attempt to scam you.

• Order a copy of your credit report to insure no accounts have been opened that you did not authorize. Everyone is entitled by law to a FREE copy of their report once each year.

• Check your bank statements carefully for unauthorized transactions.

• Cancel your ATM card if you don’t use it.

• Don’t endorse a check until you are in the bank.

• Use direct deposit, especially for your social security check.

Prevent Scams

• Resist sympathy lines (i.e. a stranger saying her purse was stolen & asking you to give her a ride to your bank or give her some money.) If someone’s purse is stolen, contact the police department.

• Anyone having a driver’s license, social security or credit card stolen should make a police report immediately.

• Never be pressured into withdrawing large amounts of money.

• Always read a document before you sign it. If you don’t understand it, get it to a trusted person to help you. Don’t be pressured into signing anything.

• Never lend your identification, credit card or ATM card to anyone.

• Do research before you invest your money. Make certain you are dealing with an established, reliable investment firm.

• Check the reliability of the people you are dealing with. Ask for references and contact them.

• Keep blank checks in a safe place and don’t sign until you are ready to use them.

• Don’t leave money or valuables in plain view.

• Know your rights with door-to-door sales. Under the law, you may cancel a door-to-door sale within three business days of the sale by notifying the seller in writing.

• Beware of verbal promises. Remember that oral promises are not usually binding if a written signed contract does not agree.