Saratoga News
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The Real Deal
Don't fall victim to identity theft
Identity theft is a serious crime. Its impact on consumers and businesses is staggering. The National Association of Realtors and the Federal Trade Commission recently unveiled a nationwide campaign to educate consumers on how to minimize the risk of identity theft and quickly fight back if they become a victim: AvoID Theft: Deter, Detect, Defend.
These steps will help consumers better protect their credit and increase the likelihood of realizing their home ownership dreams.
Tips to deter identity theft:
* Shred financial documents and paperwork with personal information before you discard them.
* Don't carry your Social Security card in your wallet or write your Social Security number on a check. Give it out only if absolutely necessary.
* Don't give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or over the Internet.
* Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails; instead, type in a Web address you know. Use firewalls, anti-spyware and anti-virus software to protect your home computer; keep them up-to-date. Visit OnGuardOnline.gov for more information.
* Don't use an obvious password like your birthdate, your mother's maiden name or the last four digits of your Social Security number.
* Keep your personal information in a secure place at home.
Tips to detect identity theft:
* Be alert to signs that require immediate attention: Mail or bills that do not arrive as expected; unexpected credit cards or account statements; denials of credit for no apparent reason; calls or letters about purchases that were not made.
* Inspect your credit report. This contains information about you, including what accounts you have and your bill-paying history. The law requires the major nationwide consumer reporting companies--Equifax, Experian and TransUnion--to give you a free copy of your credit report each year if you ask for it. Visit www.AnnualCreditReport.com or call 877.322.8228, a service created by these three companies, to order your free credit reports each year. You also can write: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.
* Review financial accounts and billing statements regularly and look for charges you did not make.
Tips to defend against identity theft:
* Place a "Fraud Alert" on your credit reports. Each of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies has a toll-free number you can use to place an initial fraud alert. Only one call is necessary; the company you call will notify the other two. An initial fraud alert is active for 90 days. If you want to place an extended (7-year) fraud alert, you must follow additional procedures. (Equifax: 800.525.6285; Experian: 888.EXPERIAN (397.3742); TransUnion: 800.680.7289)
* Close any accounts that have been tampered with or established fraudulently. Start by calling the security or fraud departments of each company where an account was opened or changed without your authorization. Follow up in writing and include copies of supporting documents. Use the "ID Theft Affidavit," available at ftc.gov/idtheft, to support your written statement. Get written verification that the disputed account has been closed and the fraudulent debts have been discharged. Keep copies of documents and records of your conversations about the theft.
* File a police report. It will help you work with creditors who may request documentation that a crime has occurred. Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission. Your information helps law enforcement officials across the country with their investigations. (Online: ftc.gov/idtheft; by phone: 877.ID.THEFT (438.4338), or TTY, 866.653.4261)
Information provided in this column is presented by the Realtor members of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors at www.silvar.org. Send questions on any topic to rmeily@silvar.org.
