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IDENTITY THEFT Identitiy theft affects over 9 million Americans per year. Now more than ever it is important to protect yourself from having your identity stolen and used for malicious uses such as fraud or other crimes. I know from personal experience how hard it is to clear your name once your identity has been taken. A few years back someone stole my license number and wrote bad checks with it. It took me almost 3 years to clear it up. Below is a list of tips I received from the Washinton Department of Licensing on how to protect yourself from Identity theft and what to do if you become a victim. HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF Do not give your Social Security number, mothers maiden name , or account numbers to strangers who contact you by phone, internet or mail. Guard your mail from theft - drop it at the post office rather than leaving your mail flag up with outgoing mail. Pay attention to the time of the month your bills arrive. Put passwords on all your accounts with creditors. Don't carry your social security card. Don't carry Credit Cards or ID cards you don't need. Cut or SHRED unwanted documents - especially those credit card offers that come in the mail with checks. I cannot stress eneough how important it is that everyone own a shredder - BUY ONE TODAY!!!! Order a copy of your credit report at least once a year. You can obtain a free credit report once a year at www.annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228
IF YOU BECOME A VICTIM OF IDENTITY THEFT Keep a log of every transaction and action. Report the identity theft to the police or sherriff in the area where you live - it is a felony, file a report and get a case #. Report the ID theft to your bank and other creditors. Contact the 3 major credit reporting agencies - Equifax, Experian & Trans Union. Ask businesses to provide you with information about transactions made in your name. Finally, contact the Federl Trade Commission's (FTC) identity theft hotline or visit their website at 1-877-IDTHEFT or www.ftc.gov
Washington State Patrol / Department of Licensing Identity Theft Unit www.dol.wa.gov Phone: (360) 902-3915 Email: fraud@dol.wa.gov
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