Take precautions against identity theft Published Dec. 20, 2010 By Staff Sgt. Jeremy Hall 90th Security Forces Squadron F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, WYO -- Over the course of the day, people write checks at the drugstore, charge tickets to a concert, rent cars, call home on cell phones and apply for credit cards. Chances are, those individuals don't give these routine transactions a second thought. But, others may. Identity theft is the fastest-growing crime in America that affects half a million new victims each year. Identity theft or identity fraud is the taking of a victim's identity to obtain credit, credit cards from banks and retailers, steal money from a victim's existing accounts, apply for loans, establish accounts with utility companies, rent an apartment, file bankruptcy or obtain a job using the victim's name. Thousands of dollars can be stolen without the victim knowing about it for months or even years. Members of Air Force Global Strike Command should be aware of identity theft and how to protect against it. Imposters can obtain social security numbers, birth dates and other identifying information such as addresses and phone numbers. With this information, and a fake driver's license, people can apply in person for instant credits or through the mail posing as someone else. They often claim they have moved and provide their own address. Once the first account is opened, they can continue to add to their credibility. They get the information from a doctor, lawyer, school, health insurance carrier and many other places. "Dumpster divers" pick up information someone may have thrown away, such as utility bills, credit card slips and other documents. Prevent identity theft from happening. Do not give out personal information over the phone, through the mail or over the Internet unless dealing with a trusted organization. Identity thieves will pose as bank representatives, Internet service providers and even government officials to get people to reveal identifying information. Shred all documents, including pre-approved credit applications received with individual's names, insurance forms, bank checks and statements that are being discarded along with other financial information. Do not use mother's maiden names, birth dates, the last four digits of social security numbers or a similar series of numbers as a password for anything. Minimize the identification information and the number of cards being carried. Take only what's actually needed. Don't carry social security cards, birth certificates or passports unless necessary. Do not put social security numbers on checks or credit receipts. If a business requests a social security number, give them an alternate number and explain why. If a government agency requests a social security number, there must be a privacy notice accompanying the request. Do not put telephone numbers on checks. Be aware of the surroundings when using ATMs and phone cards. Someone may be able to see personal identification numbers being entered, thereby gaining access to accounts. Make a list of all credit card account numbers and bank account numbers with customer service phone numbers and keep it in a safe place. When ordering new credit cards in the mail or previous ones have expired, watch the calendar to make sure the card is arriving within the appropriate time. If the card is not received within that time, call the credit card grantor immediately to find out if the card has been sent. If the card was not received, check to make sure a change of address was not filed. Do not put credit card numbers on the Internet unless it is encrypted on a secured site. Pay attention to billing cycles. Follow up with creditors if bills don't arrive on time. A missing credit card bill could mean an identity thief has taken over the credit card account and changed the billing address. Cancel all credit cards that have not been used in the last six months. Open credit is a prime target. Order a credit report at least twice a year. Reports should be obtained from all three major sources: Equifax at 800-685-1111; Experian at 888-EXPERIAN (397-3742); or TransUnion at 800-680-7293. Correct all mistakes on the credit report in writing. Send the letters return receipt requested. Identify the problems item by item and send with a copy of the credit report back to the credit-reporting agency. Expect to hear from the agency within 30 days. To get individual's names off direct mail lists write to Direct Marketing Association, Mail Preference Service, PO Box 9008, Farmingdale, NY 11735. For further information contact Staff Sgt. Hall, 90th Security Forces Squadron, at 773-4556