"Criminals can steal your identity by using information stored on credit and debit cards, from receipts or other things carried in a purse or wallet," said PCCD Chairman Walter M. Phillips Jr. "Be mindful that criminals are actively looking for identity theft opportunities this time of the year. Be smart: create an identity theft action plan and protect yourself."
PCCD has some tips consumers can use to protect themselves against identity theft:
- Do not carry all of your credit cards, Social Security card, passport, and birth certificate with you. Carry them only when needed. Reduce the number of credit cards you carry to a minimum.
- Memorize your Social Security number, passwords and PIN numbers --do not use your birth date, phone number or last four numbers of your Social Security number.
- When you obtain a new credit card, sign it immediately and add, "Photo ID Required."
- Report all lost or stolen cards immediately to the credit card company, the three credit bureaus and your local police department.
- Photocopy, or keep a list or of all your credit cards, bank account numbers and phone numbers of customer service and fraud departments in a secure place (not in your wallet), so you can quickly contact them if cards are lost or you suspect fraudulent activity.
- Save and match credit card receipts with monthly statements. Check online accounts daily.
