QUICK TIPS ON PROTECTING YOURSELF AGAINST ID THEFT!
Do not put your Social Security number on any documents, unless it is legally required.
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Talk with your attorney regarding documentation to be submitted to the Register of Deeds office for recordation. Make sure you follow-up so personal information like social security numbers and financial accounts are not submitted on public record.
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Social Security numbers are not mandatory, for example, on the following documents: NC General Warranty Deeds; Certificates of Satisfaction; Deeds of Subordination; Deeds of Trust; Separation and Property Settlement documents; Powers of Attorney.
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Personal checks. No longer order checks including your Social Security Number or Driver’s License Number.
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Check your credit report several times a year to make sure it doesn't have unfamiliar accounts.
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Shred or burn papers with credit card or bank account numbers, Social Security numbers, etc.
Click HERE to for an ID Theft "Tips Sheet" that you can print out.
IDENTITY THEFT TELEPHONE HOTLINE NUMBERS
If you are a victim of identity theft, call the fraud hotline for one of the three major credit-reporting agencies. As part of a new plan, the other two will be notified:
Equifax -- (800) 525-6285
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Experian -- (888) 397-3742
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TransUnion -- (800) 680-7289
You can file a complaint:
Federal Trade Commission -- (877) 438-4338;
Other government ID theft hotlines:
Social Security Administration -- (800) 269-0271
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Internal Revenue Service -- (800) 829-1040
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Federal Trade Commission Toll Free Hotline -- 1-877-IDTHEFT
LINKS
Federal Trade Commission's Identity Theft website
Most Common Forms of ID theft" graph from Federal Trade Commission
Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number
Social Security Administration Online
US Secret Service
US Department of Justice (Identity Theft section)
Presidential Press Release on the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003
Attorney General Roy Cooper proposes NC Identity Theft Legislation Act of 2005
Identity Theft Prevention and Survival website
Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
US Postal Service
NC General Assembly: Identity Theft Protection Act 2005
Better Business Bureau |
