ID Theft: More Annoying Than You Might Think

     Unless you've been living in a fallout shelter for the last 10 years (and if you have, congratulations on wrangling internet access), you're keenly aware of just how rampant ID theft is these days. Beyond being the network news favorite new means of scaring you into corporate-sponsored paranoia, ID theft is a legit threat; the FCC says more than a half-million Americans will fall prey to it this year alone. Crimes range from opening and/or using a cell phone fraudulently, to passing bad checks, to taking out a loan in someone else's good name. So how do you avoid being becoming a statistic?

1) Stay on top of your credit card statements.

• If one fails to arrive, it might just mean someone has changed your address so you won't notice the trip to Guam he's booked at your expense.

• If you receive the statement and find any unauthorized activity (that your spouse or kids can't credibly be blamed for), immediately contact the card's issuing bank as well as the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion:

   Equifax (http://www.equifax.com/)
     P.O. Box 740241
     Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
     (800) 525-6285

   Experian (formerly TRW, http://www.experian.com/)
      P.O. Box 1017
      Allen, TX 75013
      (800) 301-7195

   TransUnion (http://www.transunion.com/)
      Fraud Victim Assistance Division
      P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92634
      (800) 680-7289

• Shred everything: bank and credit card statements, insurance forms – even credit card offers.

• Never give out your information on the phone, through the mail, or on the Internet unless you’re 125% sure you know the recipient is credible.

• Keep that social security card tucked away in a safe place and never carry it on you.

• If you're going out of town - even for just a few days - have the post office hold your mail.

3) Don't put yourself out there.

• There's really no need to have your address in the phone book, is there?

• Cancel any credit cards you aren't using, and don't pre-print any unnecessary info. (especially a social security or driver's license number) on personal checks.

• Think twice before giving out your social security number, too. Ask if you can give provide another for of ID in lieu of it.

     The average victim of ID theft spends more than $700 and over 120 hours (!) trying to remedy the situation. The bad guys are constantly finding new ways to get what they want, but following the above steps significantly reduces your risk. If you suspect you've become one of the 500,000, hope is not lost. You'll first want to cancel any accounts that you think have been tapped. Report the activity to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion, then file (and a keep a copy of) a police report where you believe the ID theft to have taken place. You should also call the ID Theft Clearinghouse at (877) ID-THEFT and. If the crime involves your Social Security number, call (800) 269-0271 to alert the Social Security Administration.