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- Identity Theft Prevention
Identity Theft Prevention
What is Identity Theft?
Identity theft is the misuse of your personal identifying information without your permission. Your personal identifying information includes your:
- Name
- Address
- Date of Birth @(Model.BulletStyle == CivicPlus.Entities.Modules.Layout.Enums.BulletStyle.Decimal ? "ol" : "ul")>
- Social Security Number
- Credit Card Numbers
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What Ways Can A Thief Steal Your Identity? |
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Stealing your wallet, purse, or personal documents and information. |
By skimming - stealing your credit card number when you are making a purchase. |
By phishing - online request to your email or a pop up message requesting you update your account information immediately. |
By pretexting - tricking an individual into giving personal information over the phone. |
By pharming / spoofing - redirects user from a valid website server to a criminal monitored website server. |
By dumpster diving - digging through trash for discarded bills or credit card offers. |
By unlawfully getting a copy of your credit report. |
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Shred Personal Information
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Check Gas Pumps for Unbroken Seals to Avoid Skimming
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Shred Old Files at the Crud Cruiser
What Can a Thief Do With Your Identity? |
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Open new credit cards and/or checking accounts |
Make unauthorized purchases on your existing credit cards |
Setup utility accounts in your name (i.e. cable, phone, etc.) |
Obtain false government ID's |
File for bankruptcy in your name |
How Can You Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft? |
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Cut up or shred old bills, credit card offers, receipts, bank statements and anything else that contains personal information. |
Review your credit report annually to ensure the information is accurate. You can receive a free copy every 12 months from each reporting company. |
Create passwords that are difficult to guess. Include letters (upper and lowercase), numbers and symbols (!, $, #) when possible. |
Minimize the identification information and number of cards you carry. Do not carry your social security card in your wallet or purse. |
Cancel credit cards that have been used in six months. Open credit is a prime target. |
Protect your personal information inside your home in a safe, or secure in a hidden place. |
Do not give out your personal information unless you have initiated the contact or know the person/company with whom you are working with. |
Drop off mail at the local post office. Stop mail delivery while out of town. |
Pick up new checks at the bank instead of having them mailed to your house. |
Opt out of receiving credit card offers in the mail. |
Add your telephone number(s) to the National Do Not Call Registry. |
Contact Us
-
Valerie Snyder
Public Education
817-748-8173
Email
Non-Emergency Dispatch
817-743-4522
Police Station Location
DPS HQ
600 State Street
Southlake, TX 76092
Additional Contact Resources
Contact these agencies for credit report questions or issues.
- Equifax
800-525-6285
Website - Experian
888-397-3742
Website - TransUnion
800-680-7289
Website - Federal Trade Commission
877-438-4338
Website - National Crime Prevention Council
202-466-6272
Website - Social Security Administration
800-269-0271
Website - Annual Credit Report Request
877-322-8228
Website - National Do Not Call List
888-382-1222
Website - OPTOUT
888-567-8688
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