NCPW Tip of the Day:

PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST IDENTITY THEFT
Doctors say, �Take care of your body; you only have one life to live.� We say, �Protecting your identity is just as important; you are only granted one per lifetime!� Identity theft is when someone fraudulently uses your personal identifying information to obtain credit, take out a loan, open accounts, get identification, and even commit crimes.  Identity thieves commit financial fraud which includes bank fraud, credit card fraud, social program fraud, tax refund fraud and several more.
Identity thieves may attain your personal information by sending an email pretending to be your bank and threatening to close your account if you do not respond promptly. This online identity theft technique is known as  phishing. As consumers, we are all vulnerable to falling victim to identity theft. However protecting your identity and reducing your risk of becoming a victim is feasible. Here are some  tips to remember:
1. Do not carry your social security card with you or write your number on checks. It is best to memorize your social security number (SSN) and only give out your SSN when it is absolutely necessary and secure.
2. Protect your PIN number. Never write your pin number on a piece of paper that you can easily misplace. It is best to memorize this number.
3. Check your credit report.  Each of the three major consumer reporting companies is required to provide you with a free copy of your credit report once every 12 months.
4. Shred documents such as credit card offers, account statements, unwanted receipts, expired cards, and any other personal papers.
5. Never respond to unsolicited requests for personal information received in the mail, over the phone or online.

Additional Resources:

	Protect Your Identity: Identity Crisis Identity fraud is the fastest-growing crime in America.  This story is about a couple whose credit is ruined and the criminals who defrauded them. From: United States Postal Inspection Service
	Request your free annual credit report.
	The Federal Trade Commission want to make sure you have the information you need to help fight back against identity theft.  Visit their site to help you learn the steps to Deter, Detect, and Defend against identity theft.
	Daily consumer protection word search.  Solution will appear tomorrow.