There are many out there today looking to make a quick buck, and willing to do it at you expense. Trying to recover your good credit and sense of mind after having been a victim of Identity Theft can be a great hassle and cost you even additional money.
 

Here are a few tips to help keep you from becoming an Identity Theft Victim:

ñ Promptly remove mail from your mailbox after delivery.

ñ Deposit outgoing mail in post office collection boxes or at your local post office.  DO NOT leave in unsecured mail receptacles.

ñ Never give personal information, such as your social security number, date of birth, mother's maiden name, etc. over the phone unless YOU initiated the phone call.

ñ Shred credit card applications, credit card receipts and bills, and other financial information before discarding them.

ñ Empty your wallet of extra credit cards and ID's.

ñ Order your credit bureau report from the three credit bureaus at least once a year to check for fraudulent activities or other discrepancies.

ñ NEVER leave receipts at bank machines, bank counters, trash receptacles, or unattended gasoline pumps.  Keep track of all your paperwork and when it is no longer needed, DESTROY it.

ñ Memorize your social security number and all of your passwords.  Do not record them on any cards or anything in your wallet or purse.

ñ Sign all new credit cards upon receipt.

ñ Save all credit card receipts and match them against your monthly bills.

ñ Be conscious of normal receipt of routine financial statements.  Contact the sender if you don't receive them.

ñ Notify financial institutions, in advance, of changes in address or telephone numbers.

For More Information Visit:
www.consumer.gov/idtheft

*Information provided by the United States Postal Inspection Service

© Milledgeville Police Department 2002 - 2008