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Identity Theft & Scams
To Prevent This From Happening To You
- Do not give out personal information over the phone, through the mail, or over the internet unless you have initiated the contact or you know who you are dealing with.
- Shred all documents, including pre-approved credit applications received in your name, insurance forms, bank checks and statements you are discarding, and other financial information.
- Do not use your mother's maiden name, your birth date, the last four digits of your social security number, or a similar series of numbers as a password.
- Do not carry your social security card, birth certificate, or passport unless necessary.
- Do not put your social security or driver's license numbers on checks.
- Never leave your purse unattended in a shopping cart.
- Don't put outgoing mail, especially bill payments in your curbside mailbox. Use USPS secure mailboxes or drop off mail inside the post office.
- Do not pay for a prize or send money to improve your chances of winning.
- Periodically check your credit report by calling either of these 3 sources: Equifax, 800-865-1111; Experian, 888-397-3742; TransUnion, 800-680-7293.
For More Information, Read or Print Any of These Helpful Tools
- ID Theft Victim's Complaint & Affidavit
- ID Theft--What It's All About
- A Consumer's Guide to Lottery and Sweepstake Scams
Internet Resources
- www.ftc.gov/idtheft
- www.mnscams.org
- www.irs.gov/uac/Identity-Protection
- www.ic3.gov
- www.idtheftcenter.org
www.identitytheft.org - www.ag.state.mn.us
- http://minnesota.bbb.org
Educational Videos
"The Risk Inside Your Credit Card" - electronic pickpocketing news investigation reported by 13 WTHR Indianapolis
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