Who's Phishing For Your ID

 

Consumers beware!  AT&T, Citibank, and Earthlink, among other large, reputable companies, are warning against another rash of “Phishing,” yet another form of identity theft.  In this variation, thieves posing as corporate representatives send consumers email messages claiming problems with billing account information and requesting current credit card information.  The email message often contains a link to a phony website which appears to be that of the company.  This fake website may duplicate the logo, look and feel of the genuine website.  Here the consumer is prompted to input credit card information. In these cases the thieves hijack corporate identities in hopes of stealing consumers’ identities.

 

Never provide sensitive personal information such as account numbers, Social Security number, birth dates, and mother’s maiden name unless you initiate the transaction.

 

Should thieves attempt to snag you, report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission.  To read more about phishing and the FTC, go to http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2003/07/phishing.htm.

 

Read the tips below to learn more about how to protect against identity theft

Preventing Identity Theft
 

These tips can help reduce your chances of becoming a victim of identity theft.  (Tips adapted from identity theft prevention and safety tips provided by the National Crime Prevention Council, the Thousand Oaks Police Department, the FTC and Consumer Reports, October 2003.)

 

  1. Check your financial statements promptly
  2. Annually review your credit, by ordering copies of your credit report from each of the three major reporting agencies.  Equifax:  800-685-1111, PO Box 105851, Atlanta, GA  30348.  TransUnion:  800-888-4213, PO Box 1000, Chester, PA 19022.  Experian:  888-397-3742, PO Box 2002, Allen, TX 75013.  Report errors promptly and in writing.
  3. Never disclose your Social Security number, birth date, or mother’s maiden name unless you initiated the transaction.  On paper documents, don’t include such data unless required to do so on an official application for employment, financing, or insurance.
  4. Consider opting out of information sharing at your financial institutions.  Also opt out of pre-approved credit offers by calling the Credit Reporting Industry Pre-Screening Opt-Out Number at 888-567-8688.
  5. Do not carry ID containing sensitive data such as your SSN (including your Social Security card) unless absolutely necessary.
  6. Safeguard your driver’s license and other government ID at all times.  Lock desks, cabinets, and safes containing such information in your office and home.
  7. Shred and destroy all files containing SSN, account numbers and birth dates, using a cross-cut shredder.  Shred all pre-approved credit card offers, and include electronic files on CDs and disks.  Use hard drive shredding software or remove and destroy your hard drive before discarding a computer.
  8. Guard you mail by depositing outgoing mail in post office mailboxes or at the post office.  Remove incoming mail from your box immediately.  Consider using a locked mailbox.  Do not have your personal checks delivered to your unsecured mailbox.
  9. Avoid “skimming,” by keeping waiters, sales clerks, or gas-station attendants from processing your credit card out of view.  Your information can be copied from your card with a hand-held reader.
  10. Avoid using private or strange-looking ATMs.  They may be rigged to skim data off your card’s magnetic strip.  6- or 7-character PINS are harder to crack.  Never leave receipts at ATMs, bank counters, or unattended gas pumps and destroy them when no longer needed.
  11. Beware of “shoulder surfers” when using pay phones, or public internet access.  Use pre-paid phone cards.  Use your hand to shield keypads.  Don’t use cordless phones to conduct sensitive financial or medical business, as eavesdroppers on other phones and those using eavesdropping equipment may be able to overhear your conversations.

 

Should you fall victim to identity theft:

  • Report the crime to your local police, and obtain a copy of the report.
  • File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (887-ID-THEFT).  Download a copy of an ID theft affidavit from www.consumer.gov/idtheft to help you notify merchants, financial institutions and credit bureaus.
  • Alert credit-reporting agencies (phone numbers and addresses in the above tips).
  • Notify banks, creditors and utilities.

 

For more information, visit the FTC, at www.consumer.gov/idtheft.