Steps To Protect Yourself From ID, Credit Card Theft
PEMBROKE PINES (CBS4) - Let's face it we all get a little lax sometimes about taking care to protect our identities and financial information. In fact, internet scams and credit card fraud have topped the list of consumer complaints for the last couple of years.
In an effort to remind everyone how important it is to stay safe, whether online or 'in person', the U.S. Postal Services Consumer Affairs Office has joined forces with the Miami-Dade Police Department, Cintas and Broward Sheriff's Office for this year's National Consumer Protection Week (March 6th – 12th).
On Monday, they're holding a special event at the Post Office location at 16000 Pines Boulevard in Pembroke Pines to talk about the importance of keeping your personal and financial information private.
"It's pretty scary and it has happened to us," said Vivian Lopez who grabbed a pamphlet about identity theft over the phone. "I was going to bring it home to my children because now they also answer the phone and they also give out information when they answer the phone."
Sometimes you don't have to say very much to identity thieves, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Bertha Mitrani because "It's like a puzzle, they may need 3 pieces of information from you so they'll give you 2 to make you think they're legit and then ask you for a third."
Mitrani said they have seen the unthinkable.
"They will pretend that they're you (and) they'll sell your house on paper. They'll close and tap and get the money. You're still living in the house but then you check the records and it's not even your house anymore," said Mitrani.
In addition to law enforcement, a representative of the Better Business Bureau is on hand to talk about what can be done if you feel like a business has taken advantage of you or has ripped you off.
The BBB recommends that everyone shred old files with important information on them like credit card statements or anything with your social security number. To that end, Cintas will provide free document shredding in the parking lot from 10 am to 2 pm.
Experts say everyone should keep their important information in one place like in a file cabinet or in a folder on your computer. Keep track of when and how much you spend by holding onto receipts, balance your checkbook at least twice a month or check your bank statements each month to make sure you recognize each purchase you see.
Avoid putting outgoing mail in an unsecured mail box and check your credit report every year.
