In the event of an emergency, your first priority should always be safety. When planning for an emergency, don’t forget to have a plan to protect your identity by taking your emergency documents.
BE PREPARED
Keep a large sealed envelope or a locked box with important documents and identification. The idea is that your emergency documents are kept in a secure location, but is readily accessible in case of an emergency. The items below make up an identity emergency documents kit of sorts, so make sure you have a copy for each member of your family, if applicable:
- Birth certificate
- Driver’s license/State Identification
- Social Security card
- Insurance cards
- Legal papers (e.g. wills, deeds, property records)
- Marriage license
- Financial account information
- Electronic storage devices
EVACUATION
In the event that you have to evacuate, and have time to safely do so, grab your emergency documents kit as you leave and always keep it in sight. Unfortunately, some criminals use natural disasters to rob families, and you do not want to hand them access to your identities.
It is better for you to have access to your documentation should you need it while away from home than keeping it in a locked safe.
LOST INFORMATION
If you lost your sensitive information, follow up with the relevant agencies to report your documentation as lost. If possible, close accounts with lost documentation and open new accounts in case your lost information has been picked up by a would-be thief. If it is not possible to close an account, ask if you can flag the account and put additional protections to access the account.
If you find documents that contain sensitive information immediately turn it over to a local law enforcement agency.
AVOID SCAMS
Con artists take advantage of the delicate situation victims of emergencies and natural disasters are in. Unless you are contacting or visiting a government agency yourself using verified contact information, do not share your sensitive personally identifiable information (PII) with anyone. Scammers have been known to pose as charitable organizations, disaster relief specialists and government agencies by going door-to-door or calling.
If you are looking for direct assistance and a personalized plan to protect your identity in case of an emergency, call an expert advisor for no-cost at 888.400.5530 or LiveChat with us.
