Articles - Archived Feature

Identity Theft: How to protect your "self" from being stolen

These days, identity theft is so commonplace, chances are you or someone you know has already been affected. The good news? There are many ways to protect yourself, and you don't necessarily have to subscribe to an ID protection service to do so. If you'd rather not pay a monthly fee for someone to play "Big Brother" over your financial information, consider these tips instead:

• Check your credit score three times a year (for free). There's only one website that actually lets you do this: AnnualCreditReport.com. They will allow you to pull your report, for free, once a year from each of the three credit reporting companies: Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. The trick is to stagger your requests to one of the agencies every four months. (Note: this website is often confused with FreeCreditReport.com, which does not offer the same service.)
• When you enter your PIN at the checkout or ATM, always cover the keypad with your other hand. Cameras seem to be everywhere these days; you never know who may be watching.
• Be on the alert for skimmers, or other attachments, that have been added over ATM card slots. These "swipe" your information when you swipe your card. If you happen to notice something odd with an ATM, do not use the machine and immediately report the issue to your local law enforcement agency.
• Use a credit card—not debit—when you fill your car with gas. Some "skimmers" are actually placed inside the gas pump and are virtually undetectable. Using a credit card will better protect your identity. (For information on a low-interest Visa© Card with a wide range of credit options, contact LGFCU.)
• Shred your mail with a cross-shredder. A cross-shredder cuts documents in a diamond pattern, so it's extremely difficult for thieves to piece key information back together.
• Finally, skip your mailbox. Never mail important documents from home; a red flag is just that, a warning to thieves that something is waiting in the mailbox. Take all outgoing mail to a postal service mailbox instead.

Protecting your financial information is one of the most important steps you can take these days. Follow these tips, and your identity will be that much safer, particularly if you stay constantly aware of your credit report and all its goings-on.