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Preventing ID Theft

If you feel you are a victim of ID theft, contact the Richfield Police Department at 612-861-9800

How does ID theft happen?

Thieves steal your information one of these ways…

  • From your existing cards, checks and ID
  • Information stolen from your mail
  • Information from receipts, bank documents, Dr. office
  • Existing accounts are used or new accounts opened without your knowledge

Your best kept secret should be your Social Security number.  Avoid giving it out. Instead, ask the following:

  • Why do you need it?
  • What is it used for?
  • Is there a law/rule that I have to give it to you?
  • What will happen if I don’t give it to you?
  • How will it be protected, who has access to it?

Prevention

  • Shred your documents

  • Don’t give out your Social Security Number

  • Partially black out your SS# on existing cards you must carry

  • Stop the junk mail (see information below)

  • Put your trash and recycling out the morning of collection

  • Send mail from the post office, never put up the red flag on your box, it tells a thief that there could be something worth stealing.

  • Guard your personal information

  • Check your credit report regularly (some banks provide this service for you)

  • Know your billing cycles. If a bill is late, know who to call

  • Tear out mailing label & order forms before disposing of catalogs

  • Close all existing accounts

  • Request password only access for change of address on all accounts

  • Choose your PIN wisely and never keep it in your wallet or purse

If you’re a victim

  • Contact the fraud department of credit reporting agencies/bureaus

  • Call Creditors/ banks/ loan officers

  • File a police report

  • Check your investment accounts, lines of credit, bankruptcy, criminal history records

  • Request a "fraud alert" to be placed in your files

  • Contact the postal inspector if mail fraud has occurred

To learn more about how you can prevent this from happening to you link up here to the Federal Trade Commission's web site: http://www.consumer.gov/  This link includes information on ID theft prevention and resources.