Preventing Identity Theft in Aspen Falls

1. Identity Theft Preventing Identity Theft in Aspen Falls Helping citizens protect themselves

2. Identity thieves • Steal information from garbage cans and dumpsters or steal purses, wallets, personal files • Run scams, creating fraudulent businesses or posing as reputable businesses • Phish using the internet, sending messages asking for information • Skim using card readers to read your card when used for a legitimate purpose

3. Identity thieves • Use your personal and financial information • Sell it to others • Obtain credit in your name • Commit crimes using your identity

4. Citizen Awareness • Always ask before sharing your Social Security Number • Is it absolutely necessary that you gather my SSN? • Is there any alternative to providing my SSN? • Always trust your instincts • An employee, even at a reputable business, may or may not keep your SSN private • Never carry your Social Security card in your wallet

5. Citizen Awareness • Shred all personal information before disposing • Send mail from Post Office or secure mail box • Watch as store clerks scan your card; report any suspicions • On the internet, shop only reputable, secure sites and monitor your credit closely • Set secure passwords • Combination of letters, numbers and upper and lower case

6. Citizen Awareness • Do not respond to emails asking for information; instead call your bank or credit card company’s main number and ask if they need the information • If a company calls asking for your information, hang up and call the company’s main number, verify that they need the information