Be Prepared - Protecting Against Identity Theft

A few years back, I awoke one morning at my home to discover my truck had been broken into and my wallet with credit cards and my driver's license had been stolen. I quickly discovered that I was not prepared to deal with this unfortunate event. I did not have the proper information at hand and quickly learned that reporting credit cards lost or stolen can be an ordeal. So based on my experience with identity theft, I want to encourage everyone to be prepared.

Last year, more than 3,800 other Missourians reported being victims of identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission. Identity theft includes obtaining personal data for false loan and credit card applications, unauthorized bank account activity, and receiving other goods or services under an assumed identity. These crimes significantly disrupt the lives of innocent people every day, a truly disturbing crime.

Skilled identity thieves have a variety of methods to gain access to your information. Fortunately, there are many precautions that you can take to considerably reduce your chances of being faced with the hassles and financial turmoil of having your identity stolen.

* First and foremost, keep a list of all your credit cards, account numbers and customer service phone numbers in a safe location

* Don't relay vital personal information over the phone in public places because someone might be listening.

* When disposing of junk mail or bills, shred the documents because some identity thieves dig through garbage in search of pre-approved credit card applications or copies of your utility bills, bank statements, etc.

* Having these documents, criminals are able to assume your identity or spend money in your name without you ever knowing.

* Don't give out your Social Security or account numbers unless you initiate the contact.

* Carry only the credit cards and documents you need on a daily basis. Don't carry your Social Security card.

* Have someone you trust pick up your mail or request that your local post office hold your mail when you are traveling.

In addition to those precautions, because of today's dependence on the Internet, new avenues for identity fraud have opened up, so beware. Don't respond to spam (unsolicited) e-mails because it might allow hackers to gain access to your passwords and important personal data. Make sure to engage in e-commerce only with trusted companies that offer secure data transfers.

Also, in order to protect your identity, you should also ask periodically for a copy of your credit report to make sure there is not any activity that you are unaware of. You can receive a free credit report by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com or calling 1-877-322-8228. Maintain careful records of your banking and financial accounts, and include with these records a list of every document and piece of identification that you have, along with the phone numbers you would need to call to cancel accounts or replace documentation.

If you think that your identity is jeopardized, take action as soon as possible to minimize damages to your finances and reputation. Here are a few numbers you should call to report the ID theft:

* Missouri Identity Theft Hotline (operated through the Attorney General's Office Consumer Protection Division to help consumers report ID theft)Telephone: 1-800-392-8222 - Online Identity Theft Complaint Form: http://ago.mo.gov/forms/idtheftcomplaintform.pdf

* Federal Trade Commission (receives and processes complaints from people who believe they may be victims of identity theft, provides informational materials to those people, and refers those complaints to appropriate entities, including the major credit reporting agencies and law enforcement agencies) Telephone: 1-877-438-4338 - Online: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/