Avoid Becoming an Identity Theft Victim

Even though 85 percent of Americans worry about the threat of identity theft, fewer than 50 percent believe they are protecting their identity effectively, according to a consumer survey*. By taking the following basic and effective precautions, you can significantly decrease your chances of becoming a victim of identity theft:

Pay attention

• Know what information about you is floating out in cyberspace
  Check by entering your name in a search engine and see what comes up
• Be aware that the Web sites you frequent may be duplicated by identity thieves to look authentic
  Check for “https” in the URL and look in the bottom corner before you enter in any sensitive information
• Review your bank statements and bills monthly
  Call if a bill or statement doesn’t arrive on time, or if you notice any suspicious charges
• Stop using paper bills and banking statements
  Online account management is the most effective way to eliminate theft of paper-based information
• Comb through your credit report
  Look for any inconsistencies or suspicious activities

Trust your instincts

• Question companies that ask for your Social Security number
  Avoid giving it out unless absolutely necessary. If you do give it out, ask why they need it and how they will secure it. Also ask that it be blacked out on any paper forms
• Don’t open emails from addresses you don’t recognize or click on links in emails
  Open a new browser and type in the URL of the link
• Avoid giving out your address or phone number on social Web sites
  These sites can be great fun for pedophiles and identity thieves
• Cover your card or checkbook if someone stands too close to you in the checkout line
  Thieves could be taking a picture of your credit card or personal check
• Watch the store clerk or server who takes too long to run your card
  Service personnel are often a 'front' for identity scams and can quickly skim or memorize your account number
• Don’t allow any company or individual to perform a background check on you
  Make sure you have met and trust the person who will be running a background check and that there is a valid reason for them to do so. Identity thieves may be posing as a legitimate entity

Don’t broadcast your personal information

• Speak quietly when giving out your Social Security, address or phone numbers in public
  Better yet, write them down, then rip them up and throw them out
• Before and after you swipe your card, turn it over in your hand so the numbers aren’t exposed
  Sign with “See ID” rather than your name in the signature block on the card
• Cross out your account number on restaurant or other receipts
  It’s against the law for your entire account number to be there
• Clear your cell phone of data before you trade it in or donate it
  Data erasers are readily available online
• Use credit and identity monitoring
  This will alert you of certain changes to your credit file and help protect you from identity theft

* PR Newswire-FirstCall, “SunTrust Bank First to Offer Clients Free Equifax Credit Watch™ with Selected Checking Accounts” May 8, 2006