News and Issues
IDENTITY THEFT IS A VERY REAL ISSUE
The Council for Disability Rights reports that identity theft is quickly growing and stresses the importance of safeguarding your personal information, such as social security number, birth date, mothers maiden name and place of birth, in order to avoid crime.
Identity theft occurs when one person uses the identity of another to purchase goods or services, whether on-line or in person.
The CDR suggests the following precautions:
1. Give your social security number out to others only when you must really do so. Ask that your social security number not be displayed on your Drivers License or State ID card.
2. If you dispose of documents that contain personal information, make sure that the information cannot be read by someone who may go through a dumpster or go to other lengths to obtain the information.
3. Call 888-567-8688, a toll free number established by the Credit Bureaus, to stop your credit header from being sold.
4. Watch your bank and credit card statements for accuracy, as well as Medicare Explanation of Benefits statements and insurance statements.
5. Report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission, the local postal service, or the United States Secret Services Financial Crimes Division.
Marc D. Sherman
This article is intended to highlight areas of interest for our clients and others. It is not intended to be legal advice and it is not a substitute for advice and consultation with your lawyer.