The Integrity News
Vol. XII No. 18 ISSN 1081-2717 May 29, 2003
May 25, 2003
Editor's Note:
This is a very concise list from the
Dallas County District Attorney's
office, Specialized Crime Division.
Shred material containing personal information. This includes
credit card applications, credit card and ATM receipts, and
bills. Never throw them away at the point of sale.
Install a locked mailbox with a slot.
Don't put your Social Security Number driver's license
number, or phone numbers on checks.
Don't write account numbers on checks or envelopes.
Cover your hand when entering PINs at an ATM or any public
device.
Never send personal information --- credit card numbers and
account numbers --- via email or instant messaging.
If any firm uses your Social Security Number as an account
number, get it changed.
Don't put mail with personal information in an open
container. Take it to the Post Office or mailbox.
Review your credit reports at least once a year and have
inaccurate information removed.
IF YOUR IDENTITY IS STOLEN:
Contact all credit bureaus and have a fraud alert place on
your credit report.
Equifax (972) 272-9281
Experian (888) 397-3742
TransUnion (972) 680-7289
Send all correspondence on the crime by certified mail. Mail
photocopies of documents and keep originals in a safe place.
Keep a detailed log of all contacts with authorities, financial
institutions, and credit bureaus.
Contact the Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Line at:
(877) 382-4357.
Get a copy of the police report.
Contact the fraud departments at your creditors, then close
the accounts.
Never confront the thief on your own.
Check your Social Security statements for inaccuracies. If
there are problems, call: (972) 269-0271
The Integrity Center, Inc. has a program for individuals that
provides the Federally-compliant paperwork so that an individual
can easily check their own records. It is called
CHECK MYSELF
on The Integrity Center, Inc. website. To discuss any problems,
call (972) 484-6140 and one of
our investigators will be happy to talk with you.
|
|