Identity Theft

10 Simple Ways to Protect Yourself

The Federal Trade Commission reports there were 9 million cases of identity theft last year with losses to consumers of more than $5 billion. What’s more, 80% of those victimized do not know how their identity was stolen, or who did it. For these reasons, it’s important to understand how your personal and financial information can be stolen and what you can do to protect yourself.

How it can happen

Identity thieves are not always strangers; they can be your neighbor, a friend, or even a family member. Here are some tactics identity thieves use to get to your information:

Dumpster diving: Identity thieves are not afraid to get their hands dirty by digging through your trash. They’re looking for bank statements, credit card bills, or credit card solicitations you forgot to shred. They use what they find to open new accounts in your name or charge items to your current accounts.

Shoulder surfing: Identity thieves like to look over your shoulder when you’re using an ATM or conducting financial business on your home computer or laptop. Be aware of your surroundings when viewing sensitive information. Be extra careful if you use your laptop in a public place.

Mail theft: You mailbox is filled with important financial information. Thieves know this, so keep your mailbox locked or pick up mail as soon as possible.

Email: Identity thieves like to send you emails that look just like the ones you might receive from your own bank or credit card company. These emails ask you to verify your information by sending your Social Security number, drivers license number or other personal financial information. Be aware that your bank and credit card company will not ask you for personal information by email. If you get one of these emails, call your bank and talk to them directly.

10 Ways to protect yourself

1. Shred bank and credit card statements.
2. Review your credit card and bank statements carefully. If you don’t recognize the charges, make sure you dispute them.
3. Review your free credit report at least once a year.
4. Be careful with mail. Collect your mail right away and don’t mail bill payments from home. Thieves can take your mail and your financial information with it.
5. Guard your Social Security number (SSN). Don’t carry your Social Security card or SSN number in your wallet.
6. Always take your receipts. Don’t leave ATM, credit card or gas station receipts behind.
7. Keep an eye on your credit card. Criminals use small devices called skimmers to get your credit card information.
8. Be careful who you give your financial information to. If a sales clerk or cashier asks for your social security number or drivers license, ask them why that information is necessary. Also, find out their privacy policy and if your information will be shared with others.
9. Get off the telemarketer’s list. Register with the “Do-Not-Call” list at www.donotcall.gov.
10. Don’t give out personal financial information over the phone.

Sample Letters

We have provided sample letters to help you in clearing up your identity theft problems.

Contact us for help

Our staff is available to help. Contact us for more information or to file a complaint. Our services are free to Los Angeles County residents. For more information, see our Identity Theft tip sheet or call us at (800) 593-8222.