Identity theft is the fastest growing crime today. We want to help you protect yourself and your family from becoming a victim of ID theft, so please take action on our recommendations.

1. When you order or re-order checks have them delivered to your bank and personally pick them up from there.
    
2. Remove your name from the marketing lists of the three credit bureaus. Call 1-800-5OPTOUT. (1-888-567-8688)
    
3. Do not print your driver’s license and home address on your checks. The check police will not arrest you!
    
4. Contact seniors in your family or at your church, they often make the mistake of putting their social security numbers on their checks which makes them easy targets for ID theft.
    
5. Leave your checks at home. Use a debit card instead.
    
6. Use only one credit card for purchases over the internet and keep minimums on the card as low as possible.
    
7. Check your credit report with all three credit bureaus at least once a year. Call immediately if you suspect a problem.
    
8. Use a cross-cut shredder to dispose of all documents containing personal or financial information. Shred unused pre-approved credit card applications and convenience checks.
    
9. Never give out personal information to anyone on the phone or otherwise, unless you are the person that initiated the contact.
    
10. Don’t give out your social security number. Always ask for an alternative method of identification. Don’t cave due to a service representative’s pressure.

© 2004 Violence Free

If you would like permission to reprint our article in your company newsletter all you need to do is e-mail us at safety@violence-free.com or call us at 623-242-8797.
 

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