| One Step Ahead |
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March 18, 2008, Volume 54, No. 25 |
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Another tip in a series provided by the Offices of Information Systems & Computing and Audit, Compliance & Privacy.
Strategies to Reduce Your Risk of Identity Theft
In today’s wired society, it is virtually impossible to wholly eliminate your risk of being a victim of identity theft. But, there are many important and often effective ways to significantly lower your risk of falling victim to this crime.
For example:
• Do not give out personal information unless you’ve initiated the contact or are sure you know with whom you are dealing.
• Guard your mail and trash from theft. Tear or shred documents containing your personal information.
• Place hard-to-guess passwords on your credit card, bank and phone accounts when possible.
• Do not provide your personal information in response to e-mails or phone calls unless you are absolutely certain about the legitimacy of the organization and the legitimacy of the request.
• Do not leave your wallet, briefcase, laptop or other property unattended as such property will often provide thieves with most or all of what they need to open up credit accounts in your name.
• Get off pre-approved credit offer lists. Don’t let “dumpster divers” get these offers and sign up for them in your name (but at a different address!) Penn’s Privacy website – www.upenn.edu/privacy—describes how to “opt out” of receiving such offers under the “Manage Your Information” tab.
• Secure your computer with anti-virus software, strong passwords, promptly- applied security patches and a personal firewall.
• Check your personal credit report regularly, or at least once a year, to see if your identity has been compromised. A free credit report is available at www.annualcreditreport.com
• For more information, visit www.ftc.gov and click on “Avoid ID Theft, under Hot Topics.”
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