Effective Tips to Help Prevent Identity Theft

Everyone has heard of identity theft though no one thinks it will happen to them. Why is having identity theft protection so important? For that very reason, no one thinks it will happen to them, until it does. Your identity is what makes you unique. Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personally identifying information, like your name, Social Security number, debit or credit card number, to commit crimes while damaging your credit score. Over the past ten years with the growth of the internet, you not only have to worry about your cards from being physically stolen but your personal information compromised online. Did you know Arizona has the highest rate of identity theft in the nation? Now think about your personal information. Do you feel your personal information is adequately protected? Since Arizona has the highest rate of identity theft in the country, Desert Schools Federal Credit Union wants you to have the knowledge and tools you need to help protect yourself and your personal assets as effectively as possible. Desert Schools is committed to educating our members on fraud and identity theft protection. To help you prevent fraud, we have compiled a list of resources and information on identity theft, phishing and scams. These helpful tips twill keep you up-to-date and safe. Here are a few tips to assist you in the prevention of fraud. General Tips Guard your Social Security numberrnMake photocopies of vital informationrnBeware of mail or telephone solicitations that offer prizes or awardsrnAlways shred papers with financial information, including credit card offers before discarding. Monitor your accounts regularly to ensure no suspicious activity is taking placernCheck your credit once or twice a yearrnThe Federal Trade Commission offers a free annual credit report at www.annualcreditreport.comrnStay current about the latest identity theft scams Credit Cards Examine the charges on your bills before paying themrnSign new credit cards immediatelyrnCancel unused credit card accountsrnReport lost or stolen cards immediately Email and Online Security Do not open or respond to e-mail that is suspiciousrnDon't follow a link in an e-mail, always type the Website URL address yourselfrnMake sure to install firewalls or anti-spyware programs on your computerrnDon't use an obvious password like your birth date, your mother's maiden name, or the last four digits of your Social Security number Phone/Mail Treat all unsolicited phone calls with skepticism and do not disclose any personal informationrnPromptly retrieve incoming mail and do not place outgoing mail in your mailboxrnKnow your billing and statement cyclesrnSafeguard yourself and your family with identity theft security products, review the process for reporting fraud and read about ways you can protect your personal information. Identity thieves are becoming bolder and more innovative in their techniques. As a result, relying solely on a few traditional safeguards simply is not enough to combat the newer, more damaging identity theft crimes. Today's, identity theft protection requires an advanced, multi-pronged approach that addresses all the methods thieves are using to steal your personal information. Practicing the tips listed can help you protect your identity from thieves. Desert Schools also offers an identity theft protection solution called IdentitySecure. For more information on IdentitySecure, visit www.desertschools.org