Tidbits provide good advice in fight against ID theft

November 18, 2010 – 12:04 pm

Here’s some little-known facts about identity theft, along with some tips on how to protect yourself…

• Identity theft is not just financial. Your identity can be used to obtain a driver’s license or a job. To see if someone has been cited with a traffic offense in your name, obtain a copy of your driver’s record through your local Department of Motor Vehicles. You can check to see whether your Social Security number has been fraudulently used by going online at www.ssa.gov.

• Protect your numbers. The last for numbers of your Social Security card or credit card are the only random numbers assigned. The rest can be determined if a person knows other information about you, such as your date of birth or place of birth.

• Black out the three digits on the back of your credit cards and store them in a safe location. That way, a sales clerk can’t use the numbers for online purchases.

• Monitor your child’s Social Security number. Children might become victims of identity theft by those who wish to obtain a driver’s license or Social Security number to apply for a job.

• Stop pre-approved credit card offers. Call 1-888-5OPTOUT or go online at www.ftc.gov/privacy/protect.shtm.

• Medical identity theft involves someone who steals an insurance number for a medical procedure. Some hospitals require just a driver’s license at check-in, which can be forged. Unpaid medical bills eventually show up on your credit report, but you can request a copy of your medical file by going online at www.mib.com and clicking on “REquest your MIB consumer file.”

Protect yourself. Get proactive. Call LifeLock today.

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