Protecting Yourself Against Identity Theft TSCPA Member Name, CPA Firm/Company Name

Keys to Protect Yourself from ID Theft Identity Theft on TV Citi® Cards TV Commercials Outfit Emmy Award-Winning Commercial

Keys to Protect Yourself from ID Theft Identity Theft Defined …  Identity theft occurs when someone, without your permission, uses your Social Security number, credit card number or other identifying information to commit fraud

Keys to Protect Yourself from ID Theft Monitor Credit Card and Bank Statements  Look for monthly statements in the mail –Carefully review for unauthorized purchases  Don’t have blank checks mailed to your home; pick them up at the bank  Don’t have extra information like your telephone or driver’s license numbers printed on your checks

Keys to Protect Yourself from ID Theft Safeguard Personal Information  Don’t carry your Social Security card and only give your number to those you trust  Never give any personal information over the telephone unless you initiate the contact  Watch what you throw away … –Shred credit card receipts, old bank statements and pre-approved credit card offers

Keys to Protect Yourself from ID Theft Do Away with Pre-Screened Credit Card Offers  Prevent identity thieves from applying for a credit card under your name –Call OPTOUT The three major credit bureaus use the same toll-free number to allow consumers to choose not to receive pre-screened credit card offers

Keys to Protect Yourself from ID Theft Check Credit Report Regularly  Order a credit report at least once a year from each of the three credit bureaus: –TransUnion, Experian and Equifax  Look for signs of ID theft, like unauthorized change of address or new accounts you didn’t open

Keys to Protect Yourself from ID Theft Treat Mail with Care  Drop off bill payments at the post office  Consider installing a locked mailbox or use a post office box  Request a vacation hold on your mail if you’re planning an exotic getaway or other extended absence from home

Keys to Protect Yourself from ID Theft Be Computer Safety Savvy  Delete all personal information from your computer before you donate or discard it  Look for a Web site’s privacy policy  Shop online at Web sites that use technology known as SSL or Secure Sockets Layer, which encrypts credit card information –You’ll know you’re on a secure site if the web address begins with “https” instead of “http”

Keys to Protect Yourself from ID Theft Be Computer Safety Savvy  Update virus protection software regularly  Don’t download files or click on links sent to you by strangers  Use a firewall program if you have a high-speed Internet connection, like cable, DSL or a T-1 line

Keys to Protect Yourself from ID Theft How to Report ID Theft  Report the theft to the organization that issued the credit card or checking account  Make a toll-free call to the fraud number of any one of the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit report –When one credit bureau confirms your fraud alert, the other two credit bureaus are notified automatically

Keys to Protect Yourself from ID Theft How to Report ID Theft  Make a toll-free call to the Federal Trade Commission’s Identity Theft Hotline at IDTHEFT  File a report with the local police –You may need a police report to validate your claims to creditors

Keys to Protect Yourself from ID Theft Restoring Your Good Name  Use the ID Theft Affidavit –Developed by a FTC, bank, credit grantor and consumer advocate collaboration –Simplifies charge disputes with companies where new accounts have been opened in your name –Access on the ID Theft Web site at