Article Series
Back

Preventing Identity Theft

Information abstracted from the Pueblo Police Department's, Crime Prevention Unit. For more information see www.pueblo.us to download this complete article and other great articles or contact Detective Pat Heine of the Crime Prevention Unit directly at pheine@pueblo.us or 719-549-1238.

Identity theft and identity fraud are terms used to refer to all types of crime in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person's personal data in some way that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain. Identity theft also create problems when the person commits crimes in the name of the victim.

COMMON WAYS THIEVES COMMIT IDENTITY THEFT

Shoulder surfing:
In airports and at ATM machines, criminals will watch you put in your pin or access numbers, memorize these or write them down to be used later to access calling cards or your bank accounts.

Dumpster diving:
Materials that have your personal information, account or social security numbers, etc. which are thrown away unshredded are available to criminals who climb into the dumpsters and retrieve this information.

Pre-approved credit cards through the mail:
You have the ability to opt out of credit card offers that you receive in the mail or over the phone. If this mail is stolen from your mail box or from your trash, criminals can use it to apply for cards in your name that are sent to a different address. If you would like to put a stop to all the offers, you can call 1-888-5-OPTOUT to have your name removed from direct marketing lists.

Intercepted mail:
Your mail can be stolen from mail boxes. If you put out mail to be picked up by the mail person, criminals can steal it and get checking account numbers and other personal information. If possible, always send your mail from a secure location. Thieves can also steal delivered mail and obtain your personal information in this way. Always be careful with your mail.

Internet:
Internet sites can be secure if you do your homework. Check their security measures, privacy regulations

Stolen purse/wallet/briefcase/ money bag:
Make sure that you have a list of all credit card numbers and reporting phone numbers in a safe place separate from the purse, wallet, etc. The list should include checking account and savings account numbers and the current numbers of the checks you are presently using. It also helps to have contact phone numbers for your bank or credit union, including after hours numbers, if available. Include any other information that will help you cancel credit cards or bank accounts. Try to carry only the minimum number of financial transaction instruments or cash with you.

Volunteered by you or a relative:
Make it a personal habit to never volunteer personal information unless you are familiar with the person to whom you are speaking, whether in person, over the phone or over the internet. Make sure that all family members know to not give out any person information to anyone about anyone else. Always ask for the questioner's identification or request that they make their inquiries by mail. This gives you time to check them out.

SEVEN PREVENTION TIPS

  1. Do not give out more information than is necessary, to anyone.
  2. Be aware of what information is on file with your financial institution, utilities, insurance companies, credit card companies, etc. Think about what they want you to give to verify who you are. Inquire about their privacy policies.
  3. What is printed on your checks? Never have your social security number or driver's license number printed on your checks. That gives the thief too much of your personal information.
  4. Try to do more in writing as opposed to over the phone. The written page gives you a chance to check the legitimacy of the business or person.
  5. Check your financial information regularly. Check your credit report at least yearly.
  6. Contact the appropriate institution IMMEDIATELY if it seems that someone has gotten your personal information.
  7. Maintain careful records of all of your financial and other accounts.
Back