Crime Stoppers with Sheriff Joe Shook
By Melvin Cantrell CLAY COUNTY INVESTIGATOR

Last week we spoke about identity theft and credit theft that is on the increase in Clay County and around the nation. This week we will discuss various things you can do to help protect yourself and not become a victim of these schemes.

Start by keeping your mail safe. Collect your mail as soon after it is delivered as possible. If your going to be away, ask the post officeto hold your mail until you return, or ask someone you trust to pick up your mail.

People you come into contact with on a daily basis often commit fraud.

Avoid leaving personal info in "Common areas" at home, work or school where teens, service/ repair men, etc can quickly access your records.

Avoid giving out personal information in a public place. You never know who is listening. Do not give out personal information over the phone or computer unless you are sure whom your talking to, and unless you initiated the contact. Reduce the amount of information you have printed on your checks. Omit drivers license numbers, and social security numbers, birthdates etc. And finally beware of imposters.

Remember, If its to good to be true, then it probably is. You also can go onto websites that identify and address the different types of scams. Some good websites are www. lookstoogoodtobetrue.com, www.fraudaid. com, and www.quatloos.com.

Finally, keep copies of your credit card account numbers and the phone numbers to report lost or stolen credit cards. Report lost or stolen credit cards immediately.

Sign credit cards in permanent ink as soon as they are received. If you applied for a credit card, monitor the arrival of the new card.

Contact the creditor immediately if you do not receive the new card within the anticipated time frame. The NC Attorney Generals Officerecommends that you place a security freeze on your credit report. The security freeze prevents an identity thief from opening a new account or obtaining credit in your name.

Each credit bureau has different requirements. Contact the Attorney General's officeat www.ncdoj.com or call 877-566-7226 for additional details. If you decide to apply for credit while the security freeze is active, you will need to plan ahead and contact the credit bureaus to temporarily release the security freeze.

Next week, we will discuss other ways you can protect your credit as we have run out of space in this week's column. Until then, be safe and if you think someone has stolen your identity or applied for credit in your name call or come by and report it. It is better to be safe than sorry.

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