Identity thieves obtain your personal information and use it against you. They
can simply rob you but the potential consequences of identity theft are much
more serious. Identity thieves have many ways of obtaining your personal
information. We ask that you protect yourself by never giving
personal financial or location-specific information to others in Callahans - or
anywhere.
Here are other ways to thwart identity thieves:
Guard your Social Security or other identification numbers. Your credit report
and banking accounts are keyed to these numbers and are prime targets of
criminals. Please make sure any person you might give personal information to
has a legitamate need and a legal right to the information.
Rip up or shred all old bank and credit statements, as well as credit card
offers before putting them in the trash. And pick up your daily mail promptly
and if possible post your mail at the post office. Identity thieves rummage
through trash, or steal mail (incoming and outgoing) to obtain tax information,
PIN numbers, bank and credit card statements and apply for credit on unused
offers.
Leave extra bank and credit cards in a secure place at home when you go out.
Don't carry your ID card in the same pocket or purse these cards are in.
Identity thieves steal wallets and purses or purchase them from pickpockets.
Photocopy now all documents you carry with you in case you
lose them.
Remove your name from marketing lists of the major credit reporting bureaus
and add your name to the name deletion lists of the Direct Marketing
Association's Mail Preference Service and Telephone Preference Service used by
banks and other marketers. This reduces the number of pre-approved credit
offers you will receive.
Cancel unused credit card accounts and examine the charges on your credit card
statements before you pay them. Never give your Internet account information,
credit card number or personal information of any kind over the phone unless
you initiate the call - and never give a
PIN number or password to anyone ever.
