PROTECT YOURSELF FROM IDENTITY THEFT

An Identity Theft Quiz

Check the boxes that apply and then click the Total button
1- I receive several offers of pre-approved credit each week. 5 points
2 - I do not shred these offers before putting them in the trash. 5 points
3 - I carry my Social Security card in my wallet. 10 points
4 - I do not believe someone would break into my house. 10 points
5 - I do not use a firewall on my personal computer. 10 points
6 - I do not have a PO Box or a locked/secured mailbox. 5 points
7 - I use an unlocked, open box at work or my home to put outgoing mail. 10 points
8 - I carry my military ID in my wallet. 10 points
9 - I do not shred banking/credit info put in the trash. 10 points
10 - I throw away old credit cards without cutting them up. 10 points
11 - I provide my Social Security number when asked without asking how it will be safeguarded. 10 points
12 - I provide my Social Security number orally without checking to see who may be listening. 5 points
13 - I leave my purse or wallet in the car. 10 points
14 - I have to use my Social Security number as an employee or student ID. 5 points
15 - My S.S number may have been seen by others at my workplace. 10 points
16 - My S.S. or drivers license number is on my checks. 10 points
17 - I am listed in a "Who's Who" guide. 5 points
18 - My health insurance card has my S.S number on it. 10 points
19 - I have not ordered a credit report for at least 2 years. 20 points
20 - I do not believe people look in my trash for personal or credit information. 10 points
21 - I do not verify my financial statements are accurate each month (checking, credit card, etc.). 10 points
Total Points:
If you scored under 50, congratulations!
50 to 100 — you are average. At risk but you could improve.
Over 100 — join the 10,000,000 victims of ID theft, it is only a matter of time.

Reporting Identity Theft

Company Fraud Report Credit Report Web Site
Equifax 800-525-6285 800-685-1111 www.equifax.com
Experian 888-397-3742 888-397-3742 www.experian.com
Trans Union 800-680-7289 800-916-8800 www.tuc.com


If your ID is stollen, call FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION — 877-ID THEFT (877-438-4338)
If someone is using your Social Security card, call Social Security Administration —800-269-0271
     Don't change your S.S. card number, but have it flagged by the S.S. Administration.
To Stop Pre-Approved Credit Card Offers — 888-5-OUTPUT (888-567-8688)
(NOTE: This is an Automatided Line.)
To Stop Telemarketing Phone Calls, Contact the National DO NOT CALL Registry — 888-382-1222
or register on line at www.donotcall.gov
For Further Fraud Information — www.consumer.gov/idtheft

Remember*

bullet Never respond to an e-mail or phone call requesting your personal financial information.
bullet Shred preapproved credit card offers and all documents with your personal information.
bullet Don't leave outgoing mail in an unsecured mailbox at your home or office.
bullet When ordering checks, pick them up at the bank rather than risk having them mailed to you.
bullet Pay attention to the billing cycles of your bills. Call your creditors if your bills don't arrive on time.
*from the Buffalo News, June 22, 2005.

Information from Identify Theft workshop
at the 27th Annual New York State Library Assistants' Association Conference,
June 9, 2005.