IDENTITY THEFT

When keying in personal information at an ATM or when using a phone card, beware of "shoulder surfers" - individuals who look over your shoulder in an attempt to "steal" personal identification numbers.

Be careful about mailing checks from home. The payees name could easily be changed by a thief using an acid wash technique. Consider getting a post office box or locked mailbox.

When creating passwords, don't make them too easy for a thief to figure out. Don't carry your passwords and PINs around with you in your wallet or purse - memorize them instead.

Never give personal information over the phone to someone you don't know.

Don't use a credit card as payment for an Internet purchase unless you are sure that the information is encrypted on a secured site.

Whenever possible, apply for credit and business cards with your picture on them.

Order a copy of your credit report from one of the following companies:

• Experian 1-888-397-3742 www.experian.com
• Equifax 1-800-685-1111 www.equifax.com
• TransUnion 1-800-888-4213 www.tuc.com

Immediately correct all mistakes on your credit report by sending written correspondence indentifying the problems item by item. Specify "return receipt requested" when mailing these letters.

IF YOU SUSPECT YOUR IDENTITY HAS BEEN STOLEN -

Report the crime to the police immediately! Supply as much documented evidence as possible and be persistent in making sure a report is filed.

Contact your credit issuers immediately by phone to close your accounts and make sure to follow-up this request in writing.

Contact the fraud units of the following three major credit reporting companies and request that your accounts be flagged:

• Experian 1-800-301-7195
• Equifax 1-800-525-6285
• TransUnion 1-800-680-7289

Notify your bank(s) of the theft. Cancel your checking and savings accounts and obtain new account numbers. Put stop-payments on any outstanding checks.

If you are able to determine the true identity of the individual responsible for this crime, you may be able to initiate a civil lawsuit against that person. Consult our Firm for further information.

Reprinted with permission from the Broward County Sheriff's Office.

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