FTC Offers Advice on How to Avoid and Protect Against Identity Theft

For many Americans the fear of Identity Theft is a real concern. Yet many are unclear of the best ways to avoid or protect against identity theft. In fact, statistics show that every month thousands search the internet asking the question, “What is identity theft?”

In an effort to arm consumers, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has put out some information to help consumers minimize their risk of having their identity stolen and their credit score ruined. “While nothing can guarantee that you won’t become a victim of identity theft, you can minimize your risk, and minimize the damage if a problem develops, by making it more difficult for identity thieves to access your personal information,” says the FTC.

The following are a few of the recommended steps that should be taken to reduce your risk of identity theft:

– Protect your Social Security number
One mistake people often make is to carry your Social Security card in your wallet. You should never do this. Keep the card somewhere safe and memorize the number. Never write your Social Security number on a check.

– Treat your trash and mail carefully
Always shred any receipts, applications, forms or documents that contain personal information before throwing them away. This should include bank statements, medical bills, credit card statements, and even credit card offers that you get in the mail. Basically any document with your personal information on it. You can opt out of receiving prescreened offers of credit in the mail by calling: 1-888-5-OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688). Note: You will be asked to provide your Social Security number which the consumer reporting companies need to match you with your file.

– Select intricate passwords
Make you internet passwords more secure. Don’t use common names or birthdates of loved ones. A good password should mix upper and lowercase, should contain some numbers or non-alpha numeric characters such as @#$, and should not be common words.

More information on keeping your identity safe from identity theft are available at the FTC web site at FTC.gov.