It costs businesses and individuals billions of dollars a year. Consumers pay indirect costs in higher prices while victims spend an average of $1,500 and 175 hours cleaning up their credit report. If you believe you are a victim of identity theft contact Social Security Administration at 1-800-269-0271.

Protect yourself from being a victim of identity theft

• Limit what you put in your wallet and make copies of everything in case your wallet is stolen.
• Do not give credit card information over the phone unless you initiated the call and you trust that business.
• Do not carry your social security card with you. Keep it locked in a safe place. Do not put your SSN or driver’s license number on your checks or bills.
• Shred documents that have personal information. Not all shredders are created equal, look for shredders with a security rating of at least 3. The smaller the shredded pieces, the better.
• Mail bills, gift cards, and other sensitive items from a blue post office mailbox. If it is difficult to get to the post office, have a trusted friend mail your bills or hand letters directly to your mail carrier. Mail thieves look for the raised flags on mailboxes.
• Contact the police if you think your credit card or your identity has been stolen.
• Immediately report a theft of your credit cards or checks to your bank.
• Order a copy of your credit report and review it for suspicious activity using the numbers listed below.

Experian 1-888-397-3742
Trans Union 1-800-680-7289
Equifax 1-800-525-6285

Contact Community Relations Coordinator Corey Yunke at 651-792-7209 for more information to protect yourself from becoming a victim of identity theft or to schedule Roseville Police Department's identity theft presentation "Coffee with a Cop" for your group or organization.