Identity theft may be something you’ve encountered and shared the harrowing affects with others. Maybe you’ve been lucky enough to never have gone through what can seem like a nightmare. In today’s world, we are no longer able to toss the idea aside and say it’ll never happen to me. Rather than being scared stiff, be proactive towards identity theft.
I’d like to offer some points to ponder where keeping your personal information safe is concerned.
- Social Security Number. This number is like gold to identity thieves. Keep it in a locked box unless applying for a job, enrolling your children in school, or other moments where personal documentation is required. Guard your driver’s license well if your SSN appears on it. It’s only been a few years that the Dept of Motor Vehicles stopped printing your SSN on your driver’s license. If you wish to obtain an updated driver’s license without your SSN printed on it, you can easily request a new one. This request carries the current full renewal fee of $23.50 (cash only). Keep in mind that you can’t get it updated if you renew through the mail.
- Shoulder Surfing. The customer right behind you in line might be listening and looking for your personal information. Instead of verbally giving information over the counter, write it down for the clerk/teller. Be sure to take that piece of paper home with you. Also, be aware of your cell phone conversations in public. You might be sharing personal information that you’re not even aware.
· Protect Your Information. Crosscut shred any receipts you no longer want, especially those with credit card numbers on them. Before allowing any holiday guests or workers into your home, lock up documents with financial, credit or Social Security information on them. Most businesses now require that you state a password for you to obtain your account information. This of course is to verify that you are the person authorized to use that account. If your accounts don’t have your password protection, add a password to all your credit card accounts, financial accounts and utility accounts to verify your identity. Also be aware of someone calling you and stating they are from your bank and offering you lower interest rates. Do not verify any information, not even your address or last 4 digits of your SSN. If you are interested in the offer, tell them you will call the bank back using the customer service number printed on YOUR bank statement. If they are legitimate employees of your bank, they will encourage you to carry out this plan.
· Credit card skimming. Credit card skimming occurs when a clerk slides your credit card through a second machine that scans the information from the magnetic strip and stores it until it can be downloaded onto a counterfeit card. Remember, “Out of sight, out of control.” Keep your eyes on your card at all times. And if possible, always opt to scan the card yourself when making purchases. In the case of tanking up your car at a gas station that doesn’t have a pay-at-the-pump option, instead of leaving your credit card with the clerk, you can opt to leave your driver’s license but ONLY if your SSN doesn’t appear on your license. Remember, that protecting your social security number is priority one when it comes to preventing identity theft.
· Credit card receipts. It is mandatory that businesses include only the last 5 digits on credit card receipts. If you find that the number is printed in full, always be sure to hand the signed receipt directly to the cashier or waitress. Trouble may find you if you leave a signed receipt with your full credit card number and expiration date sitting on a restaurant table unattended.
· Purse snatching and pickpockets. Minimize what you carry with you. Credit cards, debit cards, checkbooks and deposit slips are the easiest items for a thief to use. Unzipped purses, backpacks or open bags are invitations to pickpockets. Carry your purse with the clasp against your body. When loading groceries, load your purse and children FIRST before the groceries. A purse snatcher can easily walk by your cart in the store or in the parking lot. Ask yourself, “If something were stolen out of my shopping cart, what would be the hardest to replace?” Those are the things you’ll want to protect the most. When tanking up your car at a gas station, lock your doors even though you are standing right next to your car. A purse snatcher can sneak up and open the car door on the opposite side of the vehicle without you even noticing.
· Online shopping. Keep a printout of the webpage(s) describing the item you ordered, any e-mail messages and the agreement portion that shows the seller’s address, telephone and return policies should you have any problems. For online purposes, it is not necessary to provide a Social Security number. Make sure the company is on a secure server with “https” and a locked padlock.
Protect yourself and your family by being aware of the information you are sharing with others. For questions related to family and consumer sciences, please contact Penny Thibodeaux with the Jeff Davis LSU AgCenter at (337) 824-1773 or pethibodeaux@agcenter.lsu.edu.