Last year, as many as 16 million households fell victim to identify theft. Don't join them this year. Fear of identity theft has spawned an entire industry offering protection against this fraud. But, there are a number of things you can do yourself. Here are some tips on reducing your risk:
Get off mailing lists for preapproved credit card offers, a gold mine for identity thieves. Call 888-567-8688 or visit optoutprescreen.com. Stop other junk mail at dmachoice.org (mailed requests cost $1).
Enroll in free alerts from your bank and credit card users to flag unusual activity on accounts.
Ask your credit card providers to issue you new "smart cards" with safer EMV chip technology. if they're unavailable, request replacement plastic with your photograph.
To safeguard personal data on your electronic devices, use a smartphone passsword that isn't 1234, 0000,2580, 1111, or 5555. These are some of the most easily hacked. Set your smart phone on auto lock. make sure computer passwords are at least 12 characters long. use uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols such as # and %. use different passwords on different accounts and change them every few months.
Three times a year, access the free credit report you're entitled to at annual creditreport.com.
If you don't plan to apply for new credit, loans, insurance or utility service, freeze your report so crooks can't get new accounts in your name. Rules vary from state to state, but $5 to $20 fees are often waived if you are 65 or older or provide proof of past identity theft. Type "security freeze" at the websites of Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion for instructions. A fraud alert is always free, but is not as effective.
Mail outgoing payments from a U. S. Postal Service mailbox or the post office, not from your more vulnerable home mailbox.
Ask if your Internet provider offers free antivirus software. Set it for automatic security updates and a weekly full scan.
Shred unneeded documents that contain personal information. Stay ahead of scammers by protecting your personal information at all times.
Never click on links in emails from strangers, or those purporting to be from a government agency or your bank warning of a "problem". The likely result is that identity-stealing malware will be installed on your computer.
Never provide personal information such as your Social Security number to anyone unless you initiate contact.
Those whose identity have been hijacked take months to straighten out the damage to their accounts, credit, banking, etc. Take a few minutes and a few dollars to reduce your risk.
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