More Ways to Prevent ID Theft

Identity theft continues to increase, and older Americans are prime targets of this crime. That’s why we constantly are looking for ways to prevent the crime and to protect your identity and wealth. Here are some new strategies to consider along with the strategies mentioned in past visits.

When paying a credit card bill by check, write only the last four digits of your account number on the check. The bill usually says to write your whole number, but the card company can find your account with only the last four digits. A thief, on the other hand, cannot do much with only the last four digits of your credit card number.

Have only your last name plus first and middle initials preprinted on checks. This puts another obstacle in front of someone who wants access to your bank account. If a thief steals a blank check, he has your bank account number and perhaps your address. But from the check he cannot know your full name, whether you are male or female, or, importantly, how you sign your name. That might be enough obstacles to make him throw away the check and go after someone else.

Do not have your home address and telephone number preprinted on the checks. Again, any obstacles to the thief’s knowing full details of your identity can help discourage the crime. If you need to preprint an address, use a post office box or business address and telephone number.

Keep photocopies of all the cards and other items that are carried in your wallet. Next to the photocopy of each card, write down the telephone number of the credit card company or other entity that issued the card. That way, if your wallet or any of its contents are stolen, you can quickly report the loss to each of the companies.

Be sure to file a police report if you suspect ID theft or an ID card is stolen. Otherwise, a credit card company can decline to cover some or all of the losses by arguing that you were negligent after the card was stolen. You have an obligation to help limit the amount of losses, such as by reporting the theft to the card company and police.

If ID is lost or ID theft is expected, immediately notify the three credit-reporting agencies. The agencies are Equifax (888-766-0008), Experian (888-397-3742), and Trans Union (800-680-7289). You also should contact Social Security’s fraud line at 800-269-0271. Many state attorneys general offices and local police now also offer special offices or services when ID theft is feared.