We’re quickly coming up on the holidays. Often this time of year we find ourselves with many concerns and things on our minds. Just as often none of those concerns include identity theft. It’s more important now than ever before to remain vigilant in your efforts to protect your personal information from thieves, as one out of ten of us were victims of some type of fraud last year.

Gone Phishing Reminder:
What’s phishing? Phishing is spam or pop-up messages attempting to gain your assistance in accessing your personal information. The messages may appear to be from your bank, online payment service, even the government. The messages ask you to update or validate sensitive account information and threaten dire consequences if you do not - and to make it ‘easier’ for you, there will be a helpful link to the ‘organization’s website’. Although the website may appear similar to the legitimate website - don’t be fooled. The object of the effort is to have you share personal information so that those running the phishing expedition can run up bills in your name. Do not click on provided links, and if you attempt to contact the company to verify the request, do not cut and paste the link provided - take the time to look it up. Always look for indications that websites are secure before entering any personal information - but stay aware - phishers have and often forge security icons.

Other Internet Issues:
Did you know that in 2003, 55% of all fraud complaints received by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) were Internet related? The FTC has great information on their website on protecting yourself against identity theft which may save you months and years of heartache in dealing with attempts to use your stolen information. In addition, www.consumer.gov also compiles consumer information from numerous government departments and agencies on identity theft, how to shop securely on the Internet, and many other suggestions.

Protect your social security number:
While many of you may be taking precautions to protect your good name on line, don’t forget about those up close and personal security measures. According to an American Express ID theft survey, almost half of you carry your social security card in your wallets. To paraphrase American Express, “Don’t leave home with it!” With your social security number, identity thieves can carve out extensive damage to you and your credit history - and steal your time and money as well as your reputation. Again, leave your social security card at home, check to make sure your social security number is not on your driver’s license or used as an employer or student identification number, don’t put it on your checks, don’t share it, shred sensitive documents prior to throwing them away, and don’t use it as a password - ever.

Holiday scams:
There are things you can do to avoid phishers but watch the water for other predators. There is a new breed of loan shark circling to take advantage of you. If you are attempting to acquire credit at this time of year, use extreme caution when confronted by promotions or advertisements that suggest everyone is approved for credit regardless of credit history. Often these “loans” are advance-fee loans. In other words, they will ask you to pay money up front before checking your credit worthiness and before you receive the loan. Essentially you’re paying for a promise of money, with no real guarantee of receiving the loan or the funds. (And don’t forget, acquiring new credit during your DMP may jeopardize benefits you are receiving from your creditors.) You may be tired of hearing it - but we’ll say it again - never, never give out personal information your social security number, credit card or bank account numbers to individuals or organizations you don’t know.

What to do when it happens to you:
Know this - identity theft is a crime; one that costs consumers and businesses not only millions of dollars each year but also time and good will at a minimum. If you find or suspect you or a family member is a victim of identity theft follow these guidelines. First, contact one of the three major credit bureaus. Place a fraud alert on your credit file. A fraud alert requests lenders contact you about any requested changes to your current accounts as well as before opening new accounts. The credit bureau will confirm your fraud alert and notify the other two credit bureaus to place fraud alerts on their listing of your file. You should also receive copies of all three credit reports at no charge. Close any account you know or suspect is fraudulent or has been altered. The FTC can supply you with an ID Theft Affidavit to dispute these accounts. Always file a police report and get a copy of the report. You may need this later for creditors or any one else as evidence of the crime. Finally, always file a complaint with the FTC. The information will be entered into a database that enables the FTC to better assist you and all consumers with issues of identity theft. In addition, law enforcement agencies tap into the database during investigations for indications of patterns and trends.

Remember, to keep your holidays happy, remain aware and do all you can to avoid identity theft during this season.