The NMP Network

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This week, we will breifly discuss the second type of identity theft, Social Security Number Identity Theft.

Everyone has a social security number. Even though we are not to use it as identitification, most businesses will require this as a form of ID and some will use it as the only means of verifying who you are.

The main problem with this is, when someone steals your social security number, they can effectively open new accounts at utilities, cable offices, cell phone accounts, and even some financial institutions. The bottom line is, as always, it will be you who gets these bills, not the identity thief.

You should always protect your social security number by not carrying your card in your purse or wallet, keep it secured at home, and when required to verbalize your number or write it down, do so in a manner that others around cannot hear you recite it or see you write it down.

Medical practitioners will normally require your number in order to match your medical records. This is ok, however, keep an eye out to insure that they do not leave your information laying on the desk or counter, thus exposing you to the World. Also, if they are throwing away some written information about you, ask them to shred it in front of you to insure that your information will stay secure.

When writing checks at a retailer, they may ask for your Drivers License Number and Social Security Number to be written down on the check. Take the initiative to refuse to write down this information. Offer to show the clerk your drivers license and ssn, however, let them know that you are uncomfortable letting out that much personal information on one document. With just one check with all of that information, an identity thief will have your name, address, phone number, bank account information, drivers license number and social security number. This is way too much information to allow on one document, especially if that document is misplaced or misappropriated. If the clerk refuses to take your check, ask to speak to the manager and make your concerns known. Otherwise, you may be exposing your personal information to unknown persons and you should really stay away from doing that! Use a debit card for your purchases to stay away from using checks in this manner.

That’s it for today! We will discuss more about Identity Theft next week!

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Welcome to our 2nd episode of the new year! Tonight, we will discuss the first type of ID Theft called Credit and Financial Identity Theft.

What is Credit and Financial Identity Theft?

When an ID Thief steals your bank account information, credit card information, savings account information or other types of financial data, they can not only access your existing accounts, however, they can also use this information to open new accounts in your name.

In most cases, an ID Thief will only access existing accounts and drain your accounts, thus stealing your money. At the same time, they will also sign up for credit cards, usually lots of them, and will use these new cards to further steal money from you. Remember, all of these credit cards are in your name with your address and information. The bills go to you!

What can you do to prevent this type of identity theft?

Not much, except to monitor your credit reports and financial statements for unauthorized withdrawals, etc. The first thing you need to do to begin your road to being safe with your accounts, is to check your credit reports. Not just one, but from all three of the major credit reporting agencies.

You are allowed by law, to get a free copy of your credit reports from all three agencies once a year! Visit http://www.annualcreditreport.com to pickup your free copies.

By the way, stay away from places that claim to give you free credit reports. They only do this when you purchase a monthly monitoring service from them! We’ll talk more about these types of services in future episodes.

That’s it for tonight! Next week, we will discuss the next type of Identity Theft, Social Security Number Identity Theft.

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