KMR Knowledgebase Publications Your Identity In Crisis: Skimming, Phishing, Dumpster Diving

Your Identity In Crisis: Skimming, Phishing, Dumpster Diving

Details
Written by Florida Consumer Services
Page 3 of 3

Additional Tips To Avoid ID Theft

  1. Identity thieves desperate for data will also resort to digging in your trash (Dumpster Diving) or just plain stealing your wallet, purse, or mail. Shred all unwanted mail that contains any personal information and pay attention to your billing cycles. If a bill or financial statement is late, contact the sender as well as the post office.
  2. Your personal information must be safeguarded, especially your Social Security number. This is the key that unlocks your personal identity. Don't give it to anyone unless it is truly necessary. Ask your health insurance provider and other companies that may use this number as an identifier if they can provide you with a substitute number to use instead.
  3. Put some extra thought into the passwords placed on your credit card, bank, and phone accounts. Avoid using easily available information like your mother's maiden name, birth date, and the last four digits of your SSN. Combinations of letters, numbers, and special characters make the strongest passwords.

The effects of identity theft can linger for months, or even years, but damage can be minimized by early detection. Consumers should go to www.annualcreditreport.com to access their one free credit report every year. As soon as you suspect that you've become a victim: file a report with your local police, close any accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently, place a "Fraud Alert" on your credit reports with each of the credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), and report the theft to the FTC at www.ftc.gov/idtheft or 1-877-ID-THEFT.

For more consumer information, or help finding the right resource for assistance, call the Florida Department of Consumer Services at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) calling within Florida, 850-488-2221 outside of Florida, 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832) en Español, and a consumer specialist will be happy to assist you. You can also visit us online at www.800helpfla.com.

@KnowMyRights