AVOIDING IDENTITY THEFT
Protect your financial records, security, and medicare cards. Shred papers with personal or medical information.
Do not give your personal information to someone who calls you or emails you.
When doing business, only give social security number if you absolutely must. Ask to use another identification.
On the computer use passwords that are not easy to guess, using numbers and symbols when you can.
Don’t respond to emails or other messages asking for personal information.
Don’t put personal information on a public computer, such as in the library.
HOW TO KNOW ABOUT A STOLEN IDENTITY
Watch bills and statements for things you didn’t buy, withdrawals you didn’t make, a change of address you didn’t make, bills that stop coming, and changes to medical statements.
SCAM ALERT
Scammers pretending to be from an agency or organization that you know to get your information or money; say there is a problem or offer a prize; pressure you to act immediately; tell you to pay in a specific way.
HOW TO AVOID A SCAM
Remain calm, talk to someone you trust.
Hang up or ignore the message. DO NOT SAY YES OR NO AND CLICK ON LINKS OR ATTACHMENTS.
Protect your money – criminals will insist that you pay in a hard-to-trace manner, such as a gift card; prepaid debit card; cryptocurrency; wire transfer; money transfer; or by mailing cash.
Protect your personal information. Be skeptical of giving to someone with whom you didn’t initiate the contact.
SCAMMERS CAN CLEVERLY PRETEND TO BE FAMILY MEMBERS IN DISTRESS
STOP, CHECK IT OUT. Look up their phone number to compare with incoming call or call another family member to help identify the legitimacy of the call
IF YOU SPOT A SCAM, PLEASE REPORT IT TO THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION
Call FTC at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) Go on line: ftc.gov/complaint
