(NAPSA)—Youcan help protect yourself from identity theft (ID theft), the fastest growing crime in the U.S. ID theft remains the number one concern among con- sumers contacting the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). More than 500,000 people are victimized by identity theft each year, according to the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, and the numbers keep growing. ID Theftis... A crime in which an imposter steals personal information from a victim, such as Social Security and driver’s license numbers, to obtain credit, merchandise or services in the victim’s name. The individual affected by the crime is often left with a damaged credit history and a time-consuming and often complicated task of restoring their financial health. Moving from Prevention to Recovery and Resolution Up until recently, many of the resources surrounding ID theft have focused solely on how consumers can protect themselves from becoming victims. But, as a result of the continuing increase in ID theft victims, more organizations are developing programs to help those already victimized recover their losses, restore their good credit and resolve their issues. Chris Lewis, senior vice president andchief privacy officer with Providian Financial, one of the largest credit card issuers in the ConsumerTips To Help PreventIdentity Theft Don’t write your personal identification number (PIN) on your ATM/Debit Card. Don't write your Social Security numberand/or credit card number on a check. Whenusing your ATM,cover your hand whenentering the PIN number. Ensure that you knowthe person/entity youaregiving personal informationto overthe Internet. Ordercopies of your credit report at least once a year from each of the three mojor credit bureaus, ensuring all of the information is accurate. Monitor your accounts and monthly statements thoroughly to ensure thatall the activity is accurate. If your account statements are late, immediately contact your bank(s) to ascertain if and whenthey were mailed. Alwaysthoroughlytear or shred papers containing personal information, such as preapprovedcredit offers. Only do business with Internet companies thatuse a secure form to captureprivate information, such as account numbersor credit card numbers. (The key or lock symbol on your browserstatus borindicates whether or not a page is secure.) Ensure your computer(s) are equipped with anti-virus protection andfirewalls to help keep trespassers out. Shut off/disconnect your computerfrom theInternet when not in use. Avoid purchasing a product from a merchant or an auction site wherethe deal looks “too goodto be true,”becauseit usually is. |f you suspectyour identity has beenstolen, immediately contact yourfinancialinstitutions andthe police. Consumers also should call the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-1D-Theft. Learn more about protecting your goodcredit at www.providian.com/creditcare. U.S., says the responsibility for helping to prevent ID theft lies both with companies and consumers. “With the ever-increasing concern in the marketplace over ID theft, it is critical that organizations continue to educate consumers on ID theft prevention, offer them choices to strengthen the protection and privacy of their personal information, and provide resources for helping them recover their losses and restore their financial health.” Since most victims do not know that their personal information has been stolen and compromised, it’s important for you to actively protect yourself from becoming a victim of identity theft.
