Protecting Yourself From Fraud -- It's Easier Than You Think
Tips for consumers during National Fraud
Awareness Week, July 9-14
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- (July 12, 2006) --- Cases of stolen
identity don't occur just in TV shows. They happen to real people, and
ever more frequently. During National Fraud Awareness Week, July 9-14,
the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) would like to remind consumers
of easy safety measures they can take to protect themselves against fraud
and identity theft. These measures could save you valuable time and money
-- on average, victims report spending 30 hours cleaning up after an identity
crime at a cost of $500.
Eliminate paper trails. Some identity thieves "dumpster
dive," that is, they rummage through garbage cans and communal dumpsters
searching for discarded bill stubs, cancelled checks, credit card and
bank statements, preapproved credit card offers, and other private information.
So, tear up your correspondence, or, even better, shred it before throwing
it away.
Sign up for direct deposit. If you currently receive
Social Security or other federal benefits by check, consider making a
switch. Direct deposit eliminates the risk of lost or stolen checks, reduces
fraud, and gives people more control over their money. Direct deposit
also protects against identity theft. For more information about signing
up for direct deposit of your Social Security or other federal benefit
payment, call the Go Direct helpline at 800-333-1795
or go to www.GoDirect.org.
Protect your personal information. Be extremely cautious
of whom you trust with personal information online. Guard your account
numbers, Social Security Number and other confidential information. Some
thieves "phish" for these numbers by constructing bogus emails, pop-up
ads and websites that appear to be those of legitimate businesses or agencies.
Remember: Legitimate businesses will never ask you to provide nor confirm
any personal information through an email or pop-up message.
Check your credit report. A new law entitles everyone
to at least one free report a year from each of the three major credit
bureaus. If you see something erroneous or suspicious, contact any one
of the three major credit bureaus. Ask how they can help you monitor your
credit report for suspicious activity.
Stay alert in public places. Make sure no one is standing
behind you when you use an ATM. He or she may use a cell phone with a
camera to try to photograph your card number and PIN number. Always shield
your card and the screen.
For more information on how to protect yourself from fraud and identity
theft, visit the National Crime Prevention Council online at www.ncpc.org.
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