Have you noticed increases of identity theft reported in the news and within online articles? Everyone knows that this can create financial havoc for the victim of such a crime. But it seems that not everyone knows how to protect themselves or what to do if their identity is compromised. We at Queen of PAWNS would like to drop a few suggestions and encourage you to take action and protect yourself from being a victim.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM IDENTITY THEFT

Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, write, “See ID,” or “Photo ID Required.”
If you write checks, NEVER have your social security or telephone numbers printed on them. If there is a case where a payee needs that information, you can add it discriminately. Also when writing checks to pay on credit card accounts, only write the last four digits of your account number on the “Memo” line. An example would be, “Account # ending in 1234.”
Photocopy the contents of your wallet, front and back. This includes your driver’s license, insurance and credit cards. This way, if your wallet is stolen, you know what was in it AND you have the toll free numbers for your credit cards. Be sure to keep these photocopies in a safe place.
Photocopy your passport. While traveling, carry a copy of the passport with you and leave additional copies in a safe place.
Get a cross-cut paper shredder and use it! Shred bank statements and any documents that contain your name, birthdate, account numbers, health insurance policy numbers and social security numbers before throwing them in the trash or recycling.
Do not carry your social security card with you.
Be sure you are dealing with reputable health care providers and be wary when offered free medical services.

REMEMBER TO PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN

Since children are not applying for credit cards or home loans, it could take several years before a breach in identity security is detected. With the new school year upon us, many parents are filling out mounds of paper work for their young students. Be cautious when documents request the child’s social security number. One article in the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel suggests that you ask what is going to be done with that information, why is the child’s social security number being requested, who will see it and how will it be protected.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR IDENTITY IS AT RISK OR COMPROMISED

If your wallet was stolen, file a police report in the jurisdiction where the incident happened immediately.
Whether your credit cards are lost or stolen, notify your credit card companies. (You already have their toll free numbers on those photocopies you made, remember?)
Alert the three national credit reporting agencies. This enforces that a company must contact you by phone to authorize any new credit.

Equifax 1.800.525.6285
Experian 1.888.397.3742
Trans Union 1.800.680.7289

Also call the Social Security Administration’s fraud line: 1.800.269.0271.
Report lost or stolen health insurance identification cards immediately. Medical identity theft is also a growing problem. Prevent unauthorized use of your health benefits by remembering to call your insurance providers. This information should also have been photocopied.

Another precaution that is also responsible accounting is to check your credit report at least once a year. It will help you keep a clear perspective on your credit and is a great tool to monitor any unauthorized activity with your information. Free credit reports are available to anyone once every 12 months at https://www.annualcreditreport.com/.

The Federal Trade Commission, an agency created to protect consumers, says that there a four simple ways to protect your personal information from the risk of identity theft: know who you share information with; store and dispose of your personal information securely, especially your Social Security number; ask questions before deciding to share your personal information; and maintain appropriate security on your computers and other electronic devices.

Part of our purpose as a pawn shop is to assist people with their finances. Your financial health is important to us and we find this issue to warrant discussion. Please take this information, share it with your friends and family and do further research in ways to protect yourself from identity theft.

“Kids at Risk for Identity theft 1^st week of class” Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel Sept. 1 20013. By Pamela Yip, The Dallas Morning News

“Medical identity theft could cost you your life” Herb WeisbaumNBC News contributor, Sep. 12, 2013

The Federal Trade Commission website at http://www.consumer.ftc.gov

and personal experience were referenced in the writing of this article.