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

If you suspect that you have been a victim of a crime, contact the police department and review our Guide for Victims

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