How to Protect Your Identity

1
How to ProtectYour Identity

• 4 Easy Tips
• Be defensive with personal information
• Be careful online
• Beware of the unusual
• Act fast when somethings fishy

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Tip 1 Be Defensive With Your Personal Information

• "Ms. Jones? This is Robert over at your bank. We
  think someone may have tried to access your
  checking account. But before I can discuss this
  further, bank regulations require that I verify
  your identity. May I have your birth date? And
  the Social Security number on your account? ..."

3
Avoid Giving Out YourSocial Security Number

• Question those who ask for it
• Never give it out over the phone or Internet
  unless you initiated the call or really trust the
  company

4
Shred, Shred, andShred Some More

• Get a cross-cut shredder
• Shred anything with your name, address, account
  numbers or other personal information

5
Strip Your Wallet

• Only carry essential credit cards
• Never carry your Social Security number

6
Mind Your Mail

• Know when bills and bank statements typically
  arrive and retrieve them as soon as possible
• Install a locked mailbox if yours is not secure
• Don't leave mail out for pick-up at home or in
  open reception boxes at work

7
Opt Out of Junk Mail

• To stop receiving pre-approved credit card or
  insurance solicitations, contact the three credit
  bureaus' joint notification system, at (888)
  5-OPTOUT, or online at www.optoutprescreen.com.

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Protect YourPersonal Belongings

• Don't leave valuables in your car (trunks aren't
  safe either because of pass-throughs from the
  back seat)
• Don't store Social Security numbers, credit card
  numbers, or passwords on cell phones or PDA's
• Get a locked file cabinet or safe to store
  sensitive financial information
• When ordering checks, pick them up at the bank

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Tip 2 Be Careful Online

• The Basics
• Don't open files from strangers
• Install a firewall
• Use antivirus and anti-spyware software
• Use strong, confidential passwords
• If you go wireless, use encryption

10
Dont Go Phishing!

• Phishing is when thieves use e-mail messages to
  lure unsuspecting people to Web pages disguised
  as the pages of trusted companies.
• These Web pages trick people into revealing bank
  account numbers, passwords, and Social Security
  numbers.

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How to Detect Phishing

• Do they threaten you with the loss of a service?
• Do they ask you to click on a link to update your
  personal information?
• Does the message contain spelling mitsakes,
  awkward grammar, or irregular capitalization?

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Tip 3 Beware ofthe Unusual

• Review your statements upon arrival
• Note strange activity

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Tip 4 Act Fast When Somethings Fishy

• Time is of the essence!
• Its kind of like a firefight. You cant let it
  smolder.
• ID Theft Victim