Fact Sheet 101
Are You at Risk for Identity Theft?
How Savvy Are You?
DOCUMENT DISPOSAL:
- I own a cross-cut shredder and use it regularly. (+ 1 pt)
- My shredder is near the trash can or in the office where most of my mail is sorted. (+ 2 pts)
- I receive pre-approved credit offers and shred them before putting them in the trash. (+ 1 pt)
- I receive convenience checks or balance forward checks in the mail (from credit card companies) every month and shred them before putting them in the trash. (+ 1 pt)
- I don’t believe people root around in my trash looking for credit/financial info. (- 1 pt)
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER PROTECTION:
- I carry my Social Security card in my wallet. (- 3 pts)
- I have another card in my wallet with my SSN on it. (- 3 pts)
- I have a card that used to have my SSN on it but I copied it and cut off part of the SSN (+ 3 pts)
- I have my SSN or driver’s license number printed on my personal checks. (- 2 pts)
- My SSN is also my driver’s license number- I have made no effort to change that. (- 2 pts)
- My SSN is publicly displayed or used at work or school. (timecards, receipts, badges) (-1 pt for each violation)
INFORMATION HANDLING:
- I use a locked, secured mailbox or P.O. Box to receive mail. (+ 1 pt)
- I leave mail for pickup in an unlocked location at home or at work (- 2 pts.)
- I watch my surroundings for people who might be listening when giving out SSN or financial information. (+ 2 pts).
- I keep personal identifying information in a locked or protected area of my home; one that visitors can’t access. (+ 3 pts)
-
I have ordered a copy of my credit reports during the last year. (+ 2 pts) Subtract one point for each year you have not checked your report (maximum 4 pts)
(Your credit reports are free by federal law. See ITRC Fact Sheet 125, or call 877-322-8228).
SCAMS:
- I keep an eye on my credit cards whenever they leave my hands to avoid skimming. (+ 2 pts)
- I do not respond to Internet scams and hang up on telephone solicitors. (+ 2 pts)
- I provide my SSN whenever asked, without asking how that information will be safeguarded or why it is necessary for them to have it in the first place. (- 3 pts)
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I'm connected to the Internet but don't use
firewall or anti-virus software. (- 2 pts)
Each one of these questions represents a possible risk factor or protection against ID theft. Each time you added points you were on the right track.
Each time you subtracted points you entered a danger zone.
Copyright Jan. 2003, revised 8/05, Identity Theft Resource Center®, all rights reserved.
Created by ITRC.
This fact sheet should not be used in lieu of legal advice. Any requests to reproduce this material, other than by individual victims for their
own
use, should be directed to ITRC.