Identity Theft

A couple of weeks ago I had to get my drivers license renewed. Along with my drivers license I also received a couple of fliers on identity theft. I thought that I would share some interesting tidbits.

How to guard against identity theft:

• Obtain a free credit report and look for any inaccurate information. You can go to www.annualcreditreport.com or call 877-322-8228to receive a free credit report.
• Do not give out your social security number, mother's maiden name, or account numbers to strangers who contact you, especially by phone, internet, or mail. Legitimate financial or government organizations that do business with you already have this information and will not ask for it by calling you.
• Make sure your full credit card number or expiration date does not appear on receipts.
• Don't leave outgoing mail in your mailbox. Take it to a collection box or your local post office.
• Tear or shred charge receipts, copies of credit applications, insurance forms, physician statements, bank checks, and statements, expired charge cards and credit offers you get in the mail.
• Minimize the amount of personal financial information you carry. memorize passwords and PIN numbers instead of carrying them with you.

For credit reports you can call Equifax at 800-525-6285, Experian at 1-888-937-3742, or TransUnion at 1-800-680-7289. I think they charge you $12.00 for credit report and an extra cost for your credit score.