Preventing identity theft
Council shares tips to protect money, reputation

In view of the breakup of a global identity theft ring and the arrest of its members, the National Crime Prevention Council is advising consumers to take extra precautions to protect their personal information.

From data breaches to phishing scams, thieves are targeting consumers, and they need to be prepared. NCPC, the nonprofit home of McGruff the Crime Dog, notes consumers can fight back with eight simple steps.

-- Lock up personal information, tax information, previous tax returns, bank statements and unpaid bills -- even at home.

-- Don't fall for scams. A legitimate business will not ask for verification of personal information via e-mail. Anyone who receives an e-mail from a business or institution with whom they do business should call its customer service line.

-- Don't use the phone number included in the suspect e-mail.

-- Don't respond to requests to verify personal information unless the contact was initiated by the consumer with a legitimate business or financial institution.

-- Destroy or shred documents not needed for long periods. Documents such as phone bills, credit card receipts and mail-order catalogs all hold valuable information tied to one's identity.

-- Carefully review mail. Check monthly credit card and bank statements for unfamiliar transactions.

-- Check one's credit report. The law entitles consumers to at least one free report a year from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experion, and Trans Union).

-- Report suspicious activity right away. Alert any one of the three major credit bureaus to the possible fraud, close the account that may have been compromised, file a police report in case proof of the crime is needed, and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.

-- Retrieve mail from the mailbox promptly. Consider using direct deposit as an alternative to receiving a mailed check. Ask the post office to hold mail if going away on travel.

For more information about how to protect one's identity, visit the National Crime Prevention Council's Web site at www.ncpc.org.

The National Crime Prevention Council is a private, nonprofit organization whose primary mission is to be the nation's leader in helping people keep themselves, their families, and their communities safe from crime.