Keeping your financial information secure is more important than ever. Identity theft has become a prevalent crime with devastating effects. The following steps can help you protect yourself from becoming the next victim:
- Keep all identifying information in a secure place in your home. Never carry Social Security cards or other important documents such as Passports or birth certificates in your purse or wallet.
- Double-check monthly statements to ensure they match your records.
- Shred all personal and financial information before discarding it.
- Do not share account numbers or other personal financial information over the telephone or internet unless you initiated the interaction.
- Review your credit report annually. You are entitled to a free credit report each year from one of the three main credit reporting bureaus.
Protect your social security number. If you are a victim of identity theft or suspect that it has occurred, complete an ID Theft Affidavit at the Federal Trade Commission Web site.
Credit Bureaus
Equifax
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374
800.685.1111
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374
800.685.1111
TransUnion
P.O. Box 1000
Chester, PA 19022
800.888.4213
P.O. Box 1000
Chester, PA 19022
800.888.4213
Experian
P.O. Box 2002
Allen, TX 75013
888.397.3742
Allen, TX 75013
888.397.3742