How Can I Minimize the Risk of Identity Theft?

February 09, 2023

Take steps to avoid being a victim of identity theft by:

  • Sign your credit cards upon receipt.
  • Only carry cards that you need.
  • Do not carry your Social Security card.
  • Never write your PIN or Social Security number on anything you are going to throw away. Shred documents containing your Social Security number.
  • Do not release personal information such as your Social Security or bank account number over the phone unless you made the phone call and understand why the information is necessary.
  • Detect unauthorized activity by reviewing bank account and credit card statements and using online account access.
  • Use e-mail-based account “alerts” to monitor transfers, payments, low balances and withdrawals.
  • Obtain and review your credit report at least annually to ensure the material is correct.
  • Sign up to receive electronic bills and statements and, whenever possible select the option to turn off the paper copy of these sensitive documents.
  • Be aware of credit card billing cycles. If you do not receive a bill on time, contact the company. A thief charging purchases to your account would likely change your billing address, so it takes you longer to discover the fraud.

Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Clearinghouse
1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338)
600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20580

Main Credit Reporting Bureaus:

Equifax (Fraud Division)
800-525-6285
P.O. Box 740250
Atlanta, GA 30374

Experian (Fraud Division)
888-397-3742
P.O. Box 1017
Allen, TX 75013

Trans Union (Fraud Division)
800-680-7289
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92634

Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General Fraud Hotline
800-269-0271
P.O. Box 177686790
Baltimore MD 21235
oig.hotline@ssa.gov