GRAVETTE — Hacking, phishing, dumpster-diving and computer hijacking are just a few of the methods thieves use to steal information and gain access to bank accounts, credit cards and someone else’s identity.
“According to one source there are as many as 15 million cases of fraudulent use of someone else’s identity in the United States each year at a cost of thousands of dollars to each individual,” said Robbie McKinnon, Pike County extension agent for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
According to a 2009 Federal Trade Commission survey, Arizona had the most identity theft complaints per 100,000 people at 149, followed by California, 139.1; Florida, 133.3; Texas, 130.3; and Nevada, 126. South Dakota had the fewest at 33.8.
Arkansas was ranked 30th on the list at 72.4 complaints per 100,000 people.
What can consumersdo? McKinnon offers these 10 tips to protect personal information and prevent ID theft:
1. Protect your personal information including Social Security number, credit card numbers, debit card numbers, PINs and passwords. A thief can use these details to order checks or credit cards, apply for loans or otherwise commit fraud using your name.
2. Deal only with legitimate, reputable businesses. Try to do business with companies you already know or that have been recommended.
3. Get key details in writing and thoroughly check them out before agreeing to anything. If a marketerrefuses to supply written information or employs high-pressure sales tactics to get you to act fast, take that as your cue to say “good-bye”.
4. Beware of “deals” requiring money up front. Be skeptical of any offer that’s“free” or otherwise hard to believe.
5. Avoid providing personal information over the telephone or Internet. Scam artists hide at the other end of the phone line or computer screen. So, don’t give bank account information, Social Security numbers or personal data in response to an unsolicited phone call or e-mail.
6. Safeguard your incoming and outgoing mail. Remove incoming mail from your mailbox as soon as possible. If you’re going away on vacation, have your mail held at the post office or picked up by a neighbor.
7. Stop bandits from recycling your trash intocash. Dumpster divers pick through garbage looking for documents they can use to commit fraud. Before tossing out these items, destroy them.
8. Limit the confidential information in your wallet in case it gets lost or stolen.Cancel cards you don’t use. Never keep passwords or PINS on or near your checkbook, credit card, ATM card or debit card.
9. Review your credit card bills and bank statements as soon as they arrive. If you notice something suspicious, contact your financial institution immediately.
10. Monitor your credit report for waning signs of fraud. Check your credit report at least once a year from each of the major credit bureaus:
◊ Equifax (800-685-111, www.equifax.com);
◊ Experian (888-397-3742, www.experian.com); and
◊ TransUnion (800-888-4213, www.transunion.com).
To report suspicious business practices, call the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office, 800-482-8982.
- Column provided by University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Extension Service
News, Pages 8 on 03/03/2010