Protecting Your Identity

1. The next time you order checks, have only your initials (instead of first name) and last name put on them. If someone takes your checkbook, they will not know if you sign your checks with just your initials or your first name. Your bank will know.
2. Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead put "PHOTO ID REQUIRED".
3. When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the "For" line. Instead, just put the last four numbers.
4. Don't list any telephone number. You can always write it on the check at the time of the transaction. If you have a PO Box, use that instead of your home address or your work address.
5. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Store in a secure place and refresh it when you change cards.

Source:

• SANS Institute: Tip of the Day – June 2, 2007

Any unauthorized access of personal information may place you at risk for identity theft. The information provided below is intended to assist concerned individuals in reducing the possibility of identity theft and to advise on appropriate steps to take to protect yourself.

• Contact the fraud departments of each of the three major credit bureaus in the United States. If they have credit information about you in their files, which at least one of these bureaus will likely have if you have ever applied for credit in the United States, you can request that a "fraud alert" be placed in your file. You may also request that a statement be entered in your account informing potential creditors that no "pre-approved" credit applications should be sent out in your name. You may also ask their fraud departments to place a statement that asks all creditors to call you before opening any new accounts or changing any existing accounts.
• Check your credit reports with these bureaus on an annual basis. If you plan to place a fraud alert on your credit file, you only need to contact one credit bureau and they will contact the other two with your information. Be prepared to give them information such as your current address, your last address (if you moved within the last 2 years), your social security number, phone numbers (work and home), etc. Each agency will mail you a copy of your personal credit report within 6 to 8 business days.

  The credit bureau fraud departments are listed below. Users need to contact only one of the three national credit bureaus to activate a fraud alert. The bureaus notify each about new fraud alerts.

• Close or suspend any accounts you know or believe have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.

If you determine that someone actually has used your personal information for an illegal purpose, you should considering taking the following steps

• File a police report with the KU Public Safety Office or the agency to which KU Public Safety may refer you.
• Contact the Office of the Kansas Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division. You may download a complaint form their website. If you do not have access to a computer, you may call the toll free number below for a complaint form and other assistance.
  www.ksag.org
  1-800-432-2310
• Contact the KU Legal Services for Students office. Attorneys in the office will be able to assist you in dealing with the various credit agencies and other organizations that may be involved in resolving any credit or identity theft problems.
  www.legalservices.ku.edu
  864-5665
• Contact the Social Security Administration if you believe your Social Security Number has been used illegally and call the SSA Fraud Hotline. You should also periodically contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to verify the accuracy of the earnings reported on your SSN, and you may request a copy of your Social Security Statement. Additionally, these other SSA resources are available on the Internet:
  • Social Security Administration
  • SSA Fraud Hotline 1-800-269-0271
  • SSA Fraud Hotline for Reporting Fraud
  • Social Security: Your Number and Card (SSA Pub. No. 05-10002)
  • Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number (SSA Pub. No. 05-10064)
• File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
  FTC's Identity Theft Site
  1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338) or
  202-326-2502
  Ask for a copy of "Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft". This is a free comprehensive consumer guide to help you guard against and recover from identity theft. You may also write to the FTC at:
  Identity Theft Clearinghouse
  Federal Trade Commission
  600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
  Washington, DC 20580

Portions of this information is derived from undated TRIWEST information on identity theft.

Experian's National Consumer Assistance
This site’s fraud alert process is quick, thorough and easy to use. Upon entering this site, the consumer should click on the link “Steps to take if you are a victim of fraud or identity theft.” Next, click on the “Security Alert” link and complete the form. You can view your credit report, including accounts in good standing, credit history, personal information and more.

• U.S. Dept. of Justice - Identity Theft and Fraud
• Federal Trade Commission - Facts for Consumers
• ID Theft: When Bad Things Happen to Your Good Name
• Social Security Administration - Identity Theft
• Better Business Bureau on-line "Privacy Tips"
• Washington Post, "Protecting Your Identity"
• Federal Trade Commission on Identity Theft

Related Web Sites were compiled by the Privacy Office and the KU Libraries, a division of Information Services.