Safeguard Yourself Against Identity Fraud

No one can guarantee that you will never be a victim of identity fraud, but you can reduce your risk. Here are ten simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of your information being stolen and misused.

Ten Essential Steps You Can Take…

1. Order your credit report. Order your credit report each year from each of the three major credit reporting agencies. (See Ordering Your Credit Report) Check each report for accuracy and for indications of fraud.
   
   
2. Guard your Social Security number. Do not carry your Social Security card with you; store it in a secure place. Avoid disclosing your Social Security number.
   
   
3. Protect your mail from theft. Mail outgoing bills from post office collection boxes rather than in an unsecured mail box. And, have the post office hold the mail when you are away.
   
   
4. Destroy documents before disposal. Tear, or better yet, shred your charge and ATM receipts, copies of credit applications, insurance forms, physician statements, checks and bank statements or other documents that contain personal information. Also, destroy expired credit cards and convenience checks or credit offers you get in the mail.
   
5. Shop online with caution. Use only a credit card when shopping on line, not a debit card. And, designate a single, distinct credit card with a low limit for on-line shopping. Regularly review your card statements for unauthorized activity.
   
   
6. Practice Safe Computing. Update your virus protection and anti-spyware software regularly. Consider using a firewall.
   
   
7. Pick your PINs carefully. Do not use any part of your Social Security number for any Personal Identification Number (PIN). Shield the PIN pad when you are entering the number in a retail establishment or at an ATM to prevent others from observing your PIN.
   
   
8. Lock important documents. Keep all documents with personal or account information under lock and key in your home.
   
   
9. Record your credit and bank account information. Make a list of, or photocopy, all of your credit and debit cards, including the account number, expiration date, credit limit and the telephone numbers of customer service and fraud departments. Make a similar list for your bank accounts. Keep your lists with your other secured documents.
   
   
10. Don't take that call. Don't give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or over the Internet unless you've initiated the contact.

Ordering Your Credit Report from Major Credit Reporting Agencies

Regular periodic review of your credit report is an essential step in protecting your identity. We recommend that you order your credit report from each credit reporting agency once a year. It is best to sequence your requests every four months rather then obtaining all reports at once. That way you are in a better position to detect problems through the course of the year.

Annualcreditreport.com allows you to request a free* credit report once every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

For further information on Identity Fraud visit the Federal Trade Commision web site on Identity Fraud.

*Eligibility for an annual free credit report is determined by your state of residence based on the rollout schedule set by federal law. The website lists when a free credit report becomes available in your state.

Note: The steps presented may be useful in preventing identity fraud. However, following any or all of these steps will not prevent identity fraud from occurring in all cases. State Farm® is not liable for any damages resulting from identity fraud that may occur despite following any or all of the identity fraud prevention steps.