What are the top pieces of information identity thieves look for?
1. Social security number
2. Checking account information
3. Credit card number(s)
Your account number is printed on the bottom of your checks – so treat your checks like gold and NEVER leave a check in the outgoing mail where a thief could grab it! (If you pay utility bills with checks, make sure you drop the envelope with the check in it directly into a mailbox or hand it to a postal worker).
We need to do our business differently – shred sensitive mail like pre-approved credit card applications or other documents with account or social security numbers.
Other tips to keep your identity safe:
- NEVER, no mater how legit it looks, cash a check that you did not earn
- NEVER give money to get money
- If it sounds too good to be true, it is (avoid any offers using terms like “free”, “no risk”, or “no obligation”
- Get your phone number on the DO NOT CALL list (see info from DA below)
- Freeze your credit (learn how below)
- Use credit cards and pay the balance every month (credit card companies monitor your purchases and are therefore are much safer than checks)
- Monitor your credit and get a free annual credit report www.annualcreditreport.com.
- NEVER respond to unsolicited communication (phone or email) asking for information verification (account number, full name, address, social security number, etc.) If you think the call might be legitimate, hang up and dial the number on the back of your credit card
Toolkit:
- Step-by-step instructions to freeze your credit (it can easily be unfrozen)
- Download a template you can use to freeze your credit with each of the three major consumer credit reporting agencies
- Information from the DA’s office about protecting your identity and what to do if you are a victim
- Report suspicious activity to the Denver District Attorney's Fraud Hotline: 720-913-9179
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