In my youth when I wanted to establish a new identity (so that I could
open a bank account and pass bad checks), I would go to the Department
of Vital records (in any city I was in). I would ask to see the death
records for 1948, the year I was born. Every fifth or sixth entry was
an infant who died at birth. I would write down the death information
and later apply for a birth certificate in that name. I would fill out
a form, pay $10, and obtain a legitimate birth certificate. I would go
to the DMV and get a license with my picture, my description, and
somebody else’s name. I had 50 legitimate driver’s licenses.

Today this information is available on a CDRom and over the internet.
A new victim is hit every four seconds. For a victim of identity
theft, whether personal or business, the work is just about to begin.
More than 175 man hours later and $1,173 for most victims the
nightmare will begin to be an experience that comes under control.

Because professional thieves spend a great deal of time working to
outwit you and others, here are 20 crucial steps that you can deploy
to keep from becoming a victim:

1. Check your credit report periodically. Consider using a credit
monitoring service which monitors the three major credit bureaus and
notifies you in real time if someone is attempting to get credit in
your name.

2. Don’t give your SSN out freely, on documents unless you have to!

3. Protect your computer and all information on it and that you
transmit electronically. Assume any email requesting personal
information is a fraud and use encrypted services when ever possible.

4. Keep track of your billing cycles.

5. Examine every invoice, bill, and financial statement you receive as
if you’re an obsessed accountant.

6. Guard your mail, use lock boxes and micro-cut paper shredders.

7. Invest in a micro-cut shredder for any document with personal data
on it that you dispose of.

8. Practice safe on-line shopping.

9. Avoid ATMs in questionable locations and which appear to be
portable ATM systems.

10. Be suspicious of unexpected calls and letters that ask for
personal information.

11. Use real passwords on your accounts and don’t use obvious names and numbers.

12. Keep your credit card close when shopping or eating out.

13. Use secure checks, and use them sparingly.

14. Secure the home front and office front and keep all personal
credit and legal documents in safe places!

15. Carry only what you need and leave all other financial and legal
documents in safe places.

16. Spring clean your credit cards, meaning if you do not regularly
use your credit cards, cancel tem.

17. Opt off of as many lists as you can, to reduce the volume of times
your name gets transmitted or sold between organizations.

18. Read privacy policies to understand how others will use and
transmit your vital records.

19. Protect deceased relatives by contacting all of their credit
agencies and the government agencies to ensure they know they are
deceased. Keep your records of this communication exchange.

20. Place fraud alerts on your credit reports if you have been a
victim of identity theft.

Every time you detect something incorrect in your credit reports,
correct the discrepancy as quickly as you can. Keep copies of all
correspondence of the discrepancy communication and resolution for
your files.

No matter how many precautions you take, you might become the victim
of identity theft. It’s important to follow an orderly protocol. Here
are the steps to take:

1. Call the credit bureau fraud departments.

2. Shut down all compromised accounts and documents.

3. File a police report, as credit bureaus will ultimately request this.

4. Establish good records – of EVERYTHING!

5. File a complaint with the FTC.

Society and public officials have a big responsibility. Congress and
state legislatures need to provide consumers with more protection; so
do the businesses that you patronize. However, it’s really up to you
to protect your good name and credit. Be proactive whenever possible.