For immediate release: Jan 15, 2010 12:00:00 EST
Posted by: [ISP]
Contact: Sergeant Michael L. Burns
Phone: 765-620-0248
Email:
mburns@isp.in.govIdentity Theft Prevention Tips
Pendleton - Lt. Bob Burke, Commander of the Pendleton Post, would like to remind citizens that identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America. It's Tuesday afternoon around 3 p.m. and you check your answering machine and get a pre-recorded message from a major credit card company wanting to verify you made an $8,000 purchase at a local retail store in your town.
You are no longer who you say you are. You now have to prove who you are. You may even have to apply for a new social security number and make sure when you retire there is no confusion about your total earnings and receiving your benefits. Attorney fees to get your life back and name back could run into thousands of dollars. Sounds like a dream, but you awaken to the nightmare of attempting to recover your own identity. It could happen to you!
Steps to prevent Identity Theft
Release your social security number only when absolutely necessary
Do not have your social security number printed on your checks
When you order new checks have them delivered to your bank and not your home
Order your social security earnings statement once a year to check for fraud
Cross-cut shred your credit card receipts, bills, and other financial information
Order your credit report once a year to check for inaccuracies and fraud
Do not leave envelopes containing bill payments in your mailbox
Do not carry credit cards, social security cards, birth certificates, and passports in your wallet
Do not create PIN numbers by utilizing your house address, date of birth, or consecutive numbers
Protect Your Identity
