Phishing for your personal information - don’t get hooked by an identity thief

It’s called phishing, and yes that is spelled correctly.  It’s the growing phenonemon of fake emails by those who are up to no good.  You know, there’s the one that says it’s from a bank and you need to “update your information for security reasons.“  Then there’s the one that says it’s from Paypal, or the one that says it’s from eBay or the one that says it’s from the credit union or the credit card company and if you will just “click on this link” and provide your “account number and social security number” everything will be taken care of.  I think you get the message.

Phishing is just a way to hook you into offering up information that someone can use against you.  Experts say most of us would never offer information in person the way some of us may hand it over while online or talking to a caller who has telephoned our home.  So the message is, beware of anyone (no matter how they contact you whether it’s online, on the phone or in person) who indicates they are here to help you and then quickly wants personal information.

The Federal Trade Commission says identity theft figures for 2005 hit about 8 million people.  As of last year, the FTC had more than 300,000 victims who contacted them directly.  There may be many more out there who didn’t know what to do when they found out they had become a victim or who may not yet realize they are victims.

The FTC recommends checking your credit report at least twice a year.  That way, if accounts have been opened in your name you will find out.  Georgia residents can get those two checks for free.  The FTC recommends going to the website annualcreditreport.com and cautions you not to be fooled by look alike websites that will end up charging you for your credit report.

If you do become a victim, you should file a police report with your local police department immediately.  The police report is helpful in proving to creditors that you have been victimized.  Then you should contact the three credit reporting agencies to place a fraud alert on your accounts.  This prevents the thief from opening any more credit in your name.

Here are the names and numbers of the three credit reporting agencies:

Experian — 888-397-3742
Equifax — 800-685-1111
Trans Union — 800-888-4213

Some experts suggest that many of us could freeze our credit accounts now, to prevent anyone from opening up a new account in our name.  That may be a good idea for you, but keep in mind, it may take up to three months to “un-freeze” your credit.  That’s something to remember if you anticipate needing to open an account in the future.

While identity theft can happen online from information someone may trick you into giving them, or from spyware placed on your computer without your knowledge, remember it can also take place from something as simple as a phone call.  I can’t stress enough that your bank or credit card company will not call you asking for your account number of social security number.  They already know it, it’s on file, they aren’t going to pick you out of millions of people to contact.  So don’t reveal any information to anyone who may call your home. 

You also need to remember that many identity thieves are still stealing your information the old fashioned way, they’re going through your trash and finding personal papers with bank account and other vital information.  So, shred your papers on a regular basis.

I also hear from people from time to time who are in the military who say their social security numbers are on their ID badges.  And folks on Medicare tell me the same thing.  The FTC is working with government agencies to change that and also with private companies (such as a hospital) that still asks for your social security number to use as your account number.  The FTC advises that whenever your social security number is requested, don’t just offer it up. Ask why the agency needs it and how it will safeguard your personal information.  If the answers don’t make you comfortable, do everything you can to avoid giving them your information.  The FTC also suggests that you never carry your social security card in your wallet.