Protecting Yourself Against Identity Theft

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Keys to Protect Yourself from ID Theft

Identity Theft on TV

Citi® Cards TV Commercials

Outfit Emmy Award-Winning Commercialhttps://www.citibank.com/us/cards/index.jsp

Keys to Protect Yourself from ID Theft

Identity Theft Defined …

Identity theft occurs when someone, without your permission, uses your Social Security number, credit card number or other identifying information to commit fraud

Keys to Protect Yourself from ID Theft

Monitor Credit Card and Bank Statements Look for monthly statements in the mail

– Carefully review for unauthorized purchases

Don’t have blank checks mailed to your home; pick them up at the bank

Don’t have extra information like your telephone or driver’s license numbers printed on your checks

Keys to Protect Yourself from ID Theft

Safeguard Personal Information Don’t carry your Social Security card and only

give your number to those you trust Never give any personal information over the

telephone unless you initiate the contact Watch what you throw away …

– Shred credit card receipts, old bank statements and pre-approved credit card offers

Keys to Protect Yourself from ID Theft

Do Away with Pre-Screened Credit Card Offers Prevent identity thieves from applying

for a credit card under your name– Call 1-888-5OPTOUT

• The three major credit bureaus use the same toll-free number to allow consumers to choose not to receive pre-screened credit card offers

Keys to Protect Yourself from ID Theft

Check Credit Report Regularly

Order a credit report at least once a year from each of the three credit bureaus:– TransUnion, Experian and Equifax

Look for signs of ID theft, like unauthorized change of address or new accounts you didn’t open

Keys to Protect Yourself from ID Theft

Treat Mail with Care

Drop off bill payments at the post office Consider installing a locked mailbox or

use a post office box Request a vacation hold on your mail if

you’re planning an exotic getaway or other extended absence from home

Keys to Protect Yourself from ID Theft

Be Computer Safety Savvy

Delete all personal information from your computer before you donate or discard it

Look for a Web site’s privacy policy Shop online at Web sites that use technology

known as SSL or Secure Sockets Layer, which encrypts credit card information– You’ll know you’re on a secure site if the web

address begins with “https” instead of “http”

Keys to Protect Yourself from ID Theft

Be Computer Safety Savvy

Update virus protection software regularly

Don’t download files or click on links sent to you by strangers

Use a firewall program if you have a high-speed Internet connection, like cable, DSL or a T-1 line

Keys to Protect Yourself from ID Theft

How to Report ID Theft

Report the theft to the organization that issued the credit card or checking account

Make a toll-free call to the fraud number of any one of the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit report– When one credit bureau confirms your

fraud alert, the other two credit bureaus are notified automatically

Keys to Protect Yourself from ID Theft

How to Report ID Theft

Make a toll-free call to the Federal Trade Commission’s Identity Theft Hotline at 1-877-IDTHEFT

File a report with the local police– You may need a police report to validate

your claims to creditors

Keys to Protect Yourself from ID Theft

Restoring Your Good Name

Use the ID Theft Affidavit – Developed by a FTC, bank, credit grantor

and consumer advocate collaboration– Simplifies charge disputes with companies

where new accounts have been opened in your name

– Access on the ID Theft Web site at http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft