TOP DRAWER ARTICLE
Safeguarding Your Identity
by
HL Carpenter
When it comes to identity theft, the issue you've probably heard the
most about is credit card misuse.
But credit cards aren't the only way imposters can steal your identity
for fraudulent purposes. Here are five other methods:
Driver's Licenses. Your driver's license number can be
used by an identity thief to write bad checks or request a replacement license
or a non-driver's identification card. If you suspect your number has been
compromised, contact your state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Ask
if another license or card was issued in your name.
Tip: Does your state's DMV use your Social Security number
as your driver's license number? Request the substitution of another number.
Investments. Your best protection against fraud is to
look at your securities statements as soon as you receive them. If you notice
transactions you didn't initiate and you believe your account has been tampered
with, report your concerns to your broker or account manager and file a
complaint with the US Securities and Exchange Commission's Office of Investor
Education and Assistance. Also contact the securities regulatory agency
in your state.
Mail Theft. Are bank or credit card statements, pre-screened
credit offers, tax information or new credit cards suddenly missing from
your mailbox? It's possible a thief made off with them, or even filed a
falsified change-of-address form to divert your mail. Contact your local
postmaster and ask.
Passports. You may have read about the passport the Russian
government is using to pin the cause of the recent war in Georgia on an
American citizen. Your lost or stolen passport may not cause an international
incident – but it could cause plenty of grief. If yours is missing,
contact the US Department of State through their web site or call a local
field office.
Student Loans. Thieves may breach your account to obtain
fraudulent loans or steal your personal information. If it happens to
you, contact the school or provider that opened your student loan and
close your account. Then call or write the hotline of the Inspector General
for the US Department of Education to report the fraudulent loan.
Tip: If your loan provider is still using your Social Security
number as your identifier, ask that it be replaced with a unique student
ID number.
Originally published September 2008.
***
HL Carpenter, an experienced investor and a CPA, specializes in reader
friendly financial and tax topics for individuals and small businesses, and
publishes Top Drawer Ink, a newsletter that's chock full of humor and common
sense information.
***
This information should not be considered legal, investment or tax advice. Top Drawer
Ink Corp. does not provide legal, investment or tax advice. Always
consult your legal, investment and/or tax advisor regarding your
personal situation. |
Last update:
January 8, 2011
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