ID Theft

Identity theft is when someone steals your personal information and uses it without your permission. It can lead to major financial loss and long-term problems. Below are simple steps to prevent, detect, and respond to identity theft.

How to Prevent Identity Theft

Be Careful With Your Personal Information

• Do not leave mail in your residential mailbox

• Never carry your Social Security number or account numbers in your wallet or purse

• Shred any documents that include personal details before throwing them away

• Take your receipts from ATMs, shops, or restaurants and store them safely or destroy them

• Never put your account number on an envelope or postcard

Be Cautious Online and On the Phone

• Do not store personal or financial information on computers connected to the internet

• Never click on links in emails from unknown senders

• Avoid sharing any part of your Social Security number or account numbers over the phone, by mail, or online unless you trust the source

• Use strong, hard-to-guess passwords (not your birth date or last four digits of your SSN)

Keep Records Secure

• Keep a list of all your credit card numbers, expiration dates, and customer service numbers

• Open your billing statements as soon as they arrive and check for errors

• Report any mistakes or unauthorized charges in writing immediately

How to Detect Identity Theft

Watch Out for Warning Signs

• Bills that do not arrive when expected

• Credit card or account statements for purchases you did not make

• Being denied credit without a clear reason

• Phone calls or letters about items or services you did not order

• New credit cards or accounts you never requested

How to Check Your Credit Report

You are allowed to receive one free credit report per year from each of the three major credit bureaus:

• Equifax

• Experian

• TransUnion

Check your reports to spot any accounts or activity that you do not recognize.

What to Do If You Suspect Identity Theft

Take Action Immediately

• File a police report to document the crime

• Cancel all affected credit cards and request new cards with new account numbers

• Contact the major credit bureaus to report the theft:

  • Ask them to place a fraud alert on your credit reports

  • This alert entitles you to a free credit report

  • One phone call to any of the three bureaus is enough

Notify Credit Card Companies

• Call the security or fraud department of each company

• Follow up in writing and include copies of any documents

• Request a written confirmation that the account was closed and charges removed

Secure Your Bank Accounts

• Report the theft to your bank immediately

• Cancel all checking and savings accounts

• Stop payment on any outstanding checks

• Open new accounts with a new ATM card, PIN, and online password

Notify Other Services

• Call your utility providers and phone company

  • Let them know someone may try to open an account in your name

• Report a stolen driver’s license to your state DMV

  • Get a replacement as soon as possible

Report to the Authorities

Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

• Phone: 877-ID-THEFT (438-4338)

• Website: ftc.gov/idtheft

• Mail:
  Identity Theft Clearinghouse
  Federal Trade Commission
  Washington, DC 20580

Reporting to the FTC helps law enforcement track down identity thieves across the country.

Need Help Protecting Your Business from Risk?

At Offshore High Risk Merchants, we help businesses handle high-risk situations safely and securely. If you’re worried about identity theft or online fraud, we’re here to guide you.