When Bad Things Happen to Your Good Name
Tips to Avoid Identity Theft

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes affecting American consumers. Unlike your fingerprints, which are unique to you and cannot be transferred to someone else, your personal data can be used by others to profit at your expense.

Within hours of obtaining stolen identifying information, thieves can order expensive monthly cell phone service, apply for credit cards, open new bank accounts and even receive a PIN number from DMV to update your information online.

Although it is impossible to completely protect yourself from identity theft, there are many things you can do to prevent someone from using your personal information for their criminal gain.

How to Protect Yourself
To reduce or minimize the risk of becoming a victim of identity theft, here are some helpful tips:

• Never give personal information over the phone, such as your social security number, birth date, mother's maiden name, credit card number, or bank PIN code, unless you initiated the phone call.

• Shred pre-approved credit applications, credit card receipts, bills and other financial information before discarding them.

• Empty your wallet of extra credit cards, IDs, or better yet, cancel the ones you don't use and maintain a list of the ones you do.

• Order your credit report from the credit bureaus once a year to check for fraudulent activity or other discrepancies.

• Never leave receipts at bank machines, bank counters, trash cans, etc. Keep your paperwork. When you no longer need it, destroy it.

• Memorize your social security number and passwords.  Do not record PINs on any cards or on anything in your wallet or purse.

• Notify your credit card companies and financial institutions in advance of address or phone number changes.

• Report all lost or stolen credit cards immediately.

• Beware of mail or telephone solicitations disguised as promotions offering instant prizes or awards designed solely to obtain your personal information or credit card numbers.

Identification Theft Links and Phone Numbers

Federal Trade Commission
1-877-ID-THEFT

Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
1-619-298-3396

Identity Theft Resource Center
1-858-693-7935

Public Interest Research Group

California Department of Motor Vehicles
1-866-658-5758

Credit Reporting Bureaus

Equifax - Report Fraud
1-800-290-8749

Experian - Report Fraud
1-888-397-3742

Trans Union - Report Fraud
1-800-680-7289

Fraud Reporting & Information

Social Security - Report Fraud
1-800-269-0271

Federal Trade Commission/Consumer Complaints
1-877-FTC-HELP

Department of Justice Criminal Division

Internet Fraud Complaint Center

National Fraud Information Center
1-800-876-7060

Other Helpful Links

United States Postal Service

We Tip - The Anonymous Line Against
1-800-78-CRIME

California Department of Consumer Affairs

Fraudulent Use of Checks

Check Rite
1-800-766-2748

Cross Check
1-800-552-1900

ChexSystems
1-800-428-9623

Equifax
1-800-437-5120

International Check Services (ICS)
1-800-631-9656

Shared Check Authorization Network (SCAN)
1-800-262-7771

Telecheck
1-800-710-9898

National Processing Company
1-800-526-5380

To Remove Your Name from Mail & Phone Lists

Direct Marketing AssociationNational Do Not Call List
Pre-approved credit offers
1-888-5OPTOUT