ID Theft Seminar held on 4/19/2005.  A US Secret Service agent talked about Identity Theft—what it is, how it happens, what you can do to help prevent it from happening to you…

1.      DO NOT put your social security number on your checks.
2.    DO NOT carry your social security card in your wallet.
3.   Make copies (front and back) of every credit card and important document in your wallet.
4.   DO NOT write any pin numbers on your credit cards.
5.   Shred any documents with personal information that you intend to throw away.  This includes those preapproved credit card offers in the mail.
6.   Obtain your credit report at least once per year.  Cancel accounts that you no longer use.  This will also help to increase your credit scoring. Connecticut now allows one free credit report per year.
7.   Never give personal information over the phone to anyone that calls you.  No credit card company will ever contact you to verify your information.
8.   Put security words or passwords on your credit card accounts, not your mother's maiden name. 
9.   If a business requests your social security number to open an account, try to offer an alternative.   Sometimes, however, this is not always possible.  Exercise good judgment when handing over your information.
10.  KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN at all times...watch what is happening around you!
11.  If you are a victim of Identity Theft, go to the police and INSIST on filing a report.  You will need the case number to pursue the crime further. 

OPT OUT – you can opt out of many telemarketing lists, pre-screened credit card offers, etc.

Visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website at www.consumer.gov/idtheft for more information on how to safeguard your personal information, and the addresses to opt out.