Some reports state that people with disabilities are five times more likely to be the victims of crimes than people without disabilities. In today’s society, more and more criminal activity and theft involves stealing money through fraudulent checks, credit card use, or stolen wallets – identity theft. Perpetrators of such crimes generally perceive individuals with disabilities as easy targets. It is crucial that people with disabilities are aware of the risks and take precautions, especially during this busy holiday season. As a result, this “Tip Sheet” was created; compiled from information provided by James J. Elekes, Access Board Member, the Federal Trade Commission, and Vicky Ann Trimmer of Mette, Evans and Woodside, Attorneys at Law.
Common Ways ID Theft Happens
Skilled identity thieves use a variety of methods to steal your personal information, including:
- Dumpster Diving. They rummage through trash looking for bills or other paper with your personal information on it.
- Skimming. They steal credit/debit card numbers by using a special storage device when processing your card.
- Phishing. They pretend to be financial institutions or companies and send spam or pop-up messages to get you to reveal your personal information.
- Changing Your Address. They divert your billing statements to another location by completing a "change of address" form.
- "Old-Fashioned" Stealing. They steal wallets and purses; mail, including bank and credit card statements; pre-approved credit offers; and new checks, or tax information. They steal personnel records from their employers, or bribe employees who have access to those records.
Prevention: What to Do Right Now
Your Wallet
Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Copy both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place.
Your Checks
When ordering checks have only your initials (instead of first name) and last name printed on them. If someone takes your checkbook, they will not know if you sign your checks with just your initials or your first name, but your bank will know how you sign your checks. Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a P.O. Box use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a PO Box, use your work address. Never have your Social Security Number printed on checks. It can be added if it is necessary. But if you have it printed, anyone can get it.
When writing checks to make payment on credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the "For/Memo" line. Instead, place only the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won't have access to it.
Your Credit Cards
Do not sign the back of credit cards. Instead, put "PHOTO ID REQUIRED". The cashier completing the transaction will then need to see a driver's license or other positive ID with your photo.
Your Passport
Carry a photocopy of your passport when traveling either here in the U.S. or abroad. Keep it in a separate place from where you keep the actual passport.
Disposing of Financial Records
Shred financial documents and paperwork with personal information before you discard them. This includes pre-approved credit card solicitations through the mail and other offers from which thieves can get or use your personal information.
Phone, Mail, and Internet
Don't give out personal information on the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet unless you know who you are dealing with. Never click on links sent in unsolicited e-mails; instead, type in a web address you know. Use firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-virus software to protect your home computer; keep them up-to-date. Don't use an obvious password like your birth date, your mother's maiden name, or the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Around the House
Keep your personal information in a secure place at home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help (such as housekeeping services, personal care attendants or even readers), or are having work done in your house.
Be Vigilant
Detect suspicious activity by routinely monitoring your financial accounts and billing statements. Be alert to signs that require immediate attention such as:
- Bills that do not arrive as expected
- Unexpected credit cards or account statements
- Denials of credit for no apparent reason
- Calls or letters about purchases you did not make
Check your Credit Report
Credit reports contain information about you, including what accounts you have and your bill paying history. The law requires the major nationwide consumer reporting companies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — to give you a free copy of your credit report each year if you ask for it (see below).
Your Financial Statements
Review financial accounts and billing statements regularly, looking for charges you did not make. This is perhaps the best way to ascertain whether you have been a victim of identity theft; it allows you to take action before any further charges accrue. In addition, if you are lax in this, it may be difficult to shed your liability for unauthorized use of your account.
If the Worst Happens … No One is Immune
Story from an attorney for a credit card company:
We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on us in stealing a name, address, Social Security number, and credit cards. Unfortunately, I, an attorney, have firsthand knowledge because my wallet was stolen last month. Within a week, the thieves ordered an expensive monthly cell phone package, applied for a VISA credit card, had a credit line approved to buy a Gateway computer, received a PIN number from the DMV to change my driving record information online, and more.
But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know:
1. Cancel your credit cards immediately. The key is having the toll-free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them.
2. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc, were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one).
3. Most importantly, call the 3 national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen, and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit. Placing a fraud alert entitles you to free copies of your credit reports. Look for inquiries from companies you haven't contacted, accounts you didn't open, and debts on your accounts that you can't explain.
4. Close any accounts that have been tampered with or established fraudulently. Call the security or fraud departments of each company where an account was opened or changed without your okay. Follow up in writing, with copies of supporting documents. Ask for verification that the disputed account has been closed and the fraudulent debts discharged.
5. Keep copies of any documents and records of your conversations about the theft.
- Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271
- Federal Trade Commission (for ID Theft):
1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338) or TTY: 1-866-653-4261
Federal Trade Commission (for Information or Complaints):
1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261
Online: www.ftc.gov/idtheft
By mail: Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580
- Credit Report Request Service: 1-877-322-8228
Online: www.AnnualCreditReport.com
By Mail: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.
- National Credit Reporting Agencies (to place a Fraud Alert on your Credit Report)
Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289
Notes:
Keeping your Personal Information Private – Tip Sheet
Compiled by Doug Powell, Edited by Day Al-Mohamed
For the Department of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs,
American Council of the Blind – 1 (800) 424-8666
Last Updated – November 27, 2006
Day Al-Mohamed
Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs
American Council of the Blind
1155 15th St. NW
Washington DC 20005
Tel. 202-467-5081
dalmohamed@acb.org