Identity Theft Prevention | What to Do if You're a Victim

From the U.S. Treasury Dept. Explains the steps you should take if you become a victim of identity theft.

Identity theft is a serious crime. It occurs when your personal information is stolen and used without your knowledge to commit fraud or other crimes. Identity theft can cost you time and money. It can destroy your credit and
ruin your good name.
Deter identity thieves by safeguarding your information.
■ Shred financial documents and paperwork with personal information before you discard them.
■ Protect your Social Security number. Don't carry your Social Security card in your wallet or write your Social Security number on a check. Give it out only if absolutely necessary or ask to use another identifier.
■ Don't give out personal information on the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet unless you
know who you are dealing with.
■ Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails;
instead, type in a web address you know. Use firewalls,
anti-spyware, and anti-virus software to protect
your home computer; keep them up-to-date.
Visit OnGuardOnline.gov for more information.
■ Don't use an obvious password like your birth date,
your mother's maiden name, or the last four digits
of your Social Security number.
■ Keep your personal information in a secure place
at home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or are having work done in your house.
Defend against ID theft as soon as you suspect it.
■ Place a "Fraud Alert" on your credit reports, and review the reports carefully. The alert tells creditors
to follow certain procedures before they open new accounts in your name or make changes to your existing accounts. The three nationwide consumer reporting companies have toll-free numbers for placing an initial 90-day fraud alert; a call to one company is sufficient:
Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289

-FTC.gov

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• scams
• Identity
• Theft
• Prevention

[ScamExpert]

Stay safe online... Use firewalls,anti-spyware,

and anti-virus software to protect your home

computer; keep them up-to-date. Don't use outdated

versions of IE. Never click on links sent in

unsolicited emails; instead, type in a web address

you know. Google Nigerian scam.

[MyRetartedBroProd]

fuck!....i think i have one right now, my comp has a blank background and it only shows the tool bar im running scans right now ahh

[pplAssist]

There are more aspect of IDT. This video only cover financial area (20% of IDT) and there are no solution provided (Only Monitor and flag your it but no real RESTORATION)...

For more complete solution, please check out Pre-Paid Legal & Kroll's IDT plan which cover 5 major area of IDT.

[whitekid3]

i just found out that an illegal alien is using my s.s. number for his job... luckily, the person hasn't opened any credit cards... but i got a bill from the irs that i owed $3,500 for not reporting the income the illegal alien was making... now i have to go thru the hassle of cleaning up the mess... i usually have compassion for illegal aliens, but now i think i'm going to vote republican.

[woowooha2003]

Recent victim of ID theft. Thanks for the video... I did all the right things now all I can do is pray.

[XxUrDaddyxX]

Thank The Tips And Video. This Things Are Pretty Scary!