Online Shopping & ID Theft Prevention

As most people now know, protecting one’s personal information in an increasingly online world is a constant concern. Identity theft occurs when someone steals personal information such as your Social Security number, driver’s license number, account numbers, etc., and uses them for personal gain. This happens via lost or stolen wallets, stolen mail, a data breach, computer virus, “phishing” scams or discarded paper documents. ID theft can damage your credit status and require considerable time and effort to resolve. Here are brief tips on avoiding and responding to ID theft.

To prevent ID theft

• Shred receipts, medical documents, credit and banking statements, and prescription labels once they’re no longer needed.
• Devise and use strong, complex passwords on your devices to protect your, credit, banking and other accounts.
• Don’t provide personal information over the phone, through the mail or online unless you initiated the contact.
• Don’t click on any questionable email links from strangers (i.e., phishing) or even from friends, whose email accounts may have been corrupted.
• Limit the cards you carry when you go out.
• Review your account statements frequently and watch for unauthorized transactions.
• Install and update Internet security software on your devices including privacy, data theft, virus and malware protection.
• Use only known, secure Wi-Fi connections to avoid transmitting information without your knowledge.

If you’ve been a victim

Here’s a smart option to consider if identity theft has happened to you. Through your work-life benefits, you can access an Identity Theft Assistance Program that promptly addresses fraud-related issues that you may face as a victim of ID theft. The program also recommends preventative steps to help you avoid being victimized again. The program offers:

• Unlimited telephonic consultations with a highly trained Fraud Resolution Specialist™ (FRS), based on your needs and concerns.
• Assistance with restoring your identity and good credit. This can include providing you with a “Uniform ID Theft Affidavit,” answering your questions with regard to completing the affidavit, and counseling for you about how to submit the affidavit to the proper authorities, credit reporting agencies and creditors.
• A free ID Theft Emergency Response Kit™.
• Help with the costly steps to dispute fraudulent debts as a result of ID theft.