Never Give Credit Card Information Over the Phone
Scam Alert (from another library.) A patron at another IHLS library was called by a phone number representing that library trying to fraudulently obtain credit card information. We will NEVER ask for credit card numbers over the phone for fines or any payments. If you are called by someone claiming to be the library asking for payment info, do not give it to them, and please report it to the library. (Herrin City Library: 618-942-6109)
Top 10 Ways to Protect Your identity
An estimated 9 million Americans have their identity stolen each year. (Says the FTC, so it must be true!) Could you be next? Wait, could I be next?? (Cue suspenseful music.) I sure hope not!!
Unless you’re an identical twin, there shouldn’t be anyone out there walking around pretending to be you, and getting away with it! Taking a few minor precautions can help protect your good name. Even though following the steps below will NOT guarantee your safety, it will help greatly decrease your chance of becoming an identity theft victim. |
If you read all the way to the end of the list… you will find some very helpful contact information, should you fall victim despite your conscious efforts.
- Protect your social security number. Don’t carry your social security card in your wallet or purse. If your social security number is listed on your driver’s license, health insurance card, checkbook, etc. request to have it reissued.
- Use secure passwords to protect your laptop and PDA and change these passwords regularly.
- Clean out your wallet or purse often. Remove seldom used credit cards and cancel those you no longer need.
- Look over your bills and credit card statements to make sure nothing is out of the ordinary. If you notice a discrepancy, contact your provider immediately.
- Take advantage of free credit reports. You are allowed one free report each year from the three national credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union. By requesting one report every four months, you can stay up to date on your credit score year round without costing a penny.
- Don’t give out personal information to unsecure websites. A web page containing “https” in the address or a padlock symbol next to the address field is a secure site, meaning that the information you provide will be encrypted or scrambled, protecting it from hackers.
- Use firewall, virus, and spyware protection. Update it regularly to keep your computer safe from “uninvited guests”.
- Shred documents that contain sensitive information. Invest in a cross-cut shredder that leaves no trace of the once-whole document.
- Make a list of your credit card and bank account numbers along with the customer service lines for each and keep it in a safe place. If you do fall victim to identity theft, this list will make it quick and easy to put a hold on your accounts, preventing any additional fraudulent charges.
- If you suspect identity theft…
- – Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to report the fraud.
- Online: www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0014-identity-theft
- By phone: (877) ID THEFT
- By mail: Consumer Response Center, FTC
600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20580
- – Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to report the fraud.