Identity Theft Booming Protect Your Privacy

Identity Theft Booming

The numbers associated with identity theft are beginning to add up fast. A recent General Ac- counting Office report estimates that as many as 750,000 Americans are victims of identity theft Protect Your every year. And that number may be low, as many people choose not to report the crime or, Privacy for that matter, even know they’ve been victim- City Commission ized. Shielding your privacy with no risk of a breakdown Mayor Joy Cooper may be impossible these days. But, it’s critical to Vice Mayor Anthony Sanders understand how your privacy can be compro- mised and the consequences of such a breach— Commissioner Keith London and take a few simple steps to, if nothing else, better the odds in your favor. Commissioner Dorothy Ross

Some evidence of the problem is: Commissioner Alexander Lewy

 Master Card and Visa estimate that more Chief of Police than $114 million in credit-card related identity theft occurred in 2000 (not as stinging as Dwayne S. Flournoy it might seem, as those numbers represent less than one-tenth of 1% of annual sales volume). The government, which has a broader definition of identity theft, puts the number closer to $1 billion now.

 In one study by two California identity theft groups, victims spent an average of 175 hours per incident trying to unravel the prob- lems caused by identity theft. Officials say much of identity theft still comes down to hands-on mischief—things like “Dumpster diving,” in which criminals sift through Remember, trash to find a credit-card statement or solicitation that someone didn’t tear up, and “shoulder surfing,” where criminals try to spot calling card The identity you save Provided as a public service by: and personal identification numbers. Hallandale Beach Police Department 400 S. Federal Highway Officials also acknowledge that the Internet has Hallandale Beach, FL 33009-6433 opened new avenues for theft. If nothing else, May be your own! Phone: 954-457-1400 the Web allows thieves to send stolen data to Email: [email protected] most any worldwide location. So, how do you protect yourself ? If something goes wrong…. De-spam yourself…..

There’s no ironclad protection that guarantees Protecting yourself from security fraud is no sure Whether a mere annoyance or a lucrative venue you’ll never fall victim to some form of identity thing. But there is plenty you can do if you uncover for thieves, solicitations via phone, mail or the theft. But, there are steps you can take to shield some wrongdoing: Internet may seem an inescapable element of your privacy, many of which are very simple: modern life. But, like other privacy issues, there  First, contact the fraud departments of each of are steps you can take to mitigate the problem:  Destroy private records and statements. the three major credit bureaus. Tell them that Tear, or shred credit card statements, solici- you’re an identity theft victim. Request that a  Direct Marketing Association maintains a tations and other documents that contain “fraud alert” be placed in your file, along with a service through which consumers can re- private financial information victim’s statement asking that creditors call you move themselves from mail, phone and e- before opening any new accounts or changing mail solicitation lists used by association  Empty your mailbox quickly so criminals don’t your existing accounts. members. To get off the mail list, write to have a chance to snatch credit card pitches. Mail Preference Service, Direct Marketing Consider locking your mailbox.  Contact the creditors for any accounts tam- Assoc., P.O. Box 9008, Farmingdale, NY pered with or opened fraudulently, and follow  Don’t carry your Social Security card with you, 11735. When giving names, use full up with a letter. or any other card that may have your number names, nicknames and any other combina- on it. Don’t put your number on checks and Equifax tion a solicitor may use. leave your driver’s license number off your To order a report: 1-800-685-1111 or write:  To get off the phone list, send your name, checks as well. P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241 address and phone number to Telephone Preference Service, DMA, Box 9014, Farm-  Never leave ATM or gas station receipts be- To report fraud: 1-800-525-6285 or write: hind. ingdale, NY 11735. Give all numbers used. P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241  Worried about credit card skimming? Pay with  To zap unwanted e-mail, fill out the DMA cash as often as possible. Experian registration form.  When making an online purchase, make sure To order a report: 1-800-397-3742 or write:  Don’t click on the “remove me” option from there is an icon of a lock in the lower right P.O. Box 2104, Allen TX 75013 unwanted e-mail. All that means is that it is an active address and more solicitations. hand corner of the browser window. It means To report fraud: 1-800-397-3742 or write: you’re dealing with a secure site. Check the P.O. Box 9532, Allen TX 75013  Set up an e-mail garbage address. Use one sites privacy policies and shy away from sites e-mail address for transactions and other that don’t specifically say they won’t pass activities that may lead to spam. Use anoth- your name and information around to others. TransUnion er for all private communication.  Be more defensive with personal information. To order a report: 1-800-916-8800 or write:  Contact your credit card companies and ask Ask salespeople if a Social Security or driver’s P.O. Box 1000, Chester, PA 19022 how to take part in their “opt out” program. license number is absolutely necessary. If To report fraud: 1-800-680-7289 or write: This prevents your name from being passed they must have your SSI number, ask for their around to solicitors and other companies privacy policy and if you can arrange for them Fraud Victim Assist. Div., P.O. Box 6790, your cardholder deals with. not to share that information with anyone Fullerton, CA 92634 else.  Tell telephone solicitors not to call you again. The Telephone Consumer Protection  Check your credit report at least once a year  File a report with your local police or police in Act of 1991 stipulates they have to do so if to look for suspicious activity. Ask the credit the community where the identity theft took you ask. If they call again, you may be able bureau if they can alert you if a change takes place. Get a copy of the police report. to sue for $500 in a “private right of action.” place with your credit report.  Keep records of all your efforts to clear fraud.