Guarding against identity theft

By Elsie Hodnett
01-25-2009

Even though the holidays are over, area residents still need to take precautions to guard themselves against identity theft. “Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the nation,” according to Pell City Police Chief Greg Turley.

Turley said individuals may use more caution during the holidays to guard against identity theft, but caution is needed year-round. “There are several unsophisticated ways identity thieves can steal personal information,” he said. Turley said dumpster diving occurs when an identity thief goes through an individual’s trash looking for personal information.

“Shred anything that contains your personal information, instead of throwing it in the trash,” he said.

Turley said shoulder surfing is another common form of identity theft.
“The thief looks over the person’s shoulder for pin numbers or when they punch in a credit card number or calling card (phone) number,” he said.
Turley said there have been some cases of identity theft in the Pell City area, but the victims were unsure how the identity thieves obtained their personal information. “All of us can be a victim,” he said.

Turley said some other steps individuals can take to protect their identity is to check bank and credit card records often and set up flags so you will be alerted if there is any suspicious activity on your accounts.

“Another scam is people who call over the phone and offer a credit card and prize, but request personal information such as your Social Security number,” he said.

Turley said individuals should report such schemes to the police department.

“Let us know what is going on,” he said. “It may be the piece of the puzzle we need to solve the case.”

Lt. Mike Gorman, with the Sylacauga Police Department, said they have not had any reports of identity theft lately.

“I think people are being more watchful,” he said.

Gorman said he does presentations at various locations on how individuals can protect themselves and their identities.

“One thing we suggest, especially for seniors, is to have their checks direct-deposited,” he said. “That way they can’t be stolen from their mailbox, and they won’t accidentally throw away personal information.”

Gorman said using debit cards instead of checks is another good step to take.

Detective Doug Whaley, with the Talladega Police Department, said they have seen cases of individuals stealing purses from people coming home late at night.

“They can also steal mail or change-of-address forms from your mail,” he said.

Whaley said “phishing,” or fake emails thieves send in an attempt to get individuals to provide personal information, are also common both over the Internet and by phone.

“We also see fake international lottery winner emails,” he said. “If it sounds too good to be true, it is.”

Whaley said three things to remember when protecting your identity are deter, detect, and defend.

“Shred your financial documents,” he said. “Protect your Social Security number (by not carrying it with you in your wallet or purse) and don’t give out personal information unless you are sure who you are dealing with.”
Whaley said another tip is not to use obvious passwords such as birthdates, addresses, and names of friends and family members.

“Be alert,” he said. “Watch for mail or bills that don’t arrive. Also be aware of denials of credit for no reason,” as it may indicate that someone has used your identity.

Whaley said inspect financial statements and look for any charges you didn’t make, and also inspect your credit report.

“If you suspect your identity has been stolen, place a ‘fraud alert’ with the credit agencies,” he said.

Whaley said the “fraud alert” tells creditors to follow certain procedures before they open new accounts in your name or make changes to your existing accounts.

Three nationwide consumer-reporting companies have toll-free numbers for placing an initial 90-day fraud alert, and a call to one company is sufficient.

The number for Equifax is 1-800-525-6285.

The number for Experian is 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742.)

The number for TransUnion is 1-800-680-7289.

“It is also good to check the credit reports for minor children,” Whaley said.
Whaley said he knew of an individual whose child’s identity had been stolen, and was discovered when the child became old enough to apply for credit.

“It takes a lot of time to fix identity theft,” Turley said. “There is a lot of time spent with police departments, credit card companies, banking institutions and more. We recommend individuals stay vigilant and try to prevent theft before it happens.”