Credit reports and credit files

• · Check your credit reports as frequently as possible, at least twice a year. Under the FACT Act, U.S. consumers are entitled to one free credit report each year from each of the three major credit bureaus. For details, visit www.annualcreditreport.com.
• · Enroll in credit monitoring to track changes to your credit file. Enroll in fraud monitoring (non-credit database monitoring) to be warned of attempts to alter or acquire your identity data.
• · Check your Social Security Statement each year for signs of fraud. The Social Security Administration mails this statement to adult SSN holders about three months before their birthdays.

What identity thieves want most

Your Social Security number is the key to cloning your identity.

Your bank accounts

Reduce paper transactions

Mail and marketing lists

Trash and shredding of personal information

Your personal and business checks

Your wallet or purse

Credit, debit, and ATM cards

Credit reports and credit files

Shopping and application forms

Web sites and email

Computers and networks

Passwords and PINs