Many customer advocates warn that identity theft is a problem for all--more so homeowners to whom such a problem can lead to default or foreclosure--need keep in mind during the year.
Spokesperson for the National Foundation for Credit Counseling Silver Spring, MD, Gail Cunningham says that even though identity theft risk is higher during the holidays, customers need to regularly check their credit rating reports and other resources designed to help them avoid having access to credit suspended or compromised.
Self-protection can start with efforts to be constantly aware of the surroundings when shopping in crowded sidewalks and malls that create opportunities for pick pocket incidents. “Don’t assume it was an accident” that someone bumped into you” and keep your wallet hidden.
While the advise to not carry around large sums of cash is widespread and taken into consideration by most people, NFCC notes that those who choose to use a debit card may not be aware, “that certain protections are put in place when you make a purchase with a credit card that are not provided with a debit card.” And since bank regulations vary, the best way to know is by inquiring with the banks to learn about restrictions and benefits or the occasional perks offered by credit card issuers. One difference between a credit and a debit card is that while a credit card user can dispute a purchase before paying for it, a debit card purchase removes the money from the holder’s account at the time of the purchase allowing a thief to wipe out one’s checking or savings account very fast.
Other standard rules that apply for identity theft protection include guarding one’s PIN number at the ATM especially if someone tries to avoid carrying large amounts of money and also chooses to pay with cash and are more likely to make frequent trips to the ATM.
Being aware of anyone standing too close or whether thieves have installed devices that read one’s information without the card user’s knowledge also is crucial. Noticing and reporting to the bank about anything unusual or different about the ATM can help more than one potential victim.
Other tips include keeping credit cards in sight to avoid being victimized by unscrupulous clerks or waiters who can skim the information from one’s card into a second machine and later make a new credit card or sell personal information to an organized crime ring.
A lighter wallet will minimize losses even if someone is successful in stealing it, they won’t get as much. Never carrying Social Security cards, checkbooks along with secure all personal information even while at home also help since “unfortunately, many times an ID thief is someone we know.”
It also is recommendable to make copies of both sides of all credit cards so that in case the wallet is stolen, the victim can easily access account numbers and customer service phone numbers to alert the issuer immediately.
Crooks can steal personal information from receipts so it is not advisable to leave them exposed or stuff them into a car visor or in any way. Credit card statements are as sensitive and helpful in recognizing red flags if they contain unauthorized, fraudulent purchases, so it helps to “keep a watchful eye” on these accounts by going online and reviewing them on a weekly basis.
Often customers are reluctant to sign up for a credit monitoring service, but it can help with email alerts anytime there is unusual activity to one’s credit report such as cases where someone tries to open a new account. According to NFCC such services “could be money well-spent.”
However, the nonprofit considers the best measure that of ordering credit reports at least the one free credit report offered every 12 months from each of the three bureaus. If these reports are requested from the different bureaus at different times of the year customers can get a year around snapshot of their credit activity and alerts about anything unusual.
NFCC’s 800 community-based offices nationwide offer assistance to victims of identity theft online and through certified counselors.
