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Thursday, July 29 2010 10:58 |
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Throughout the area and across the country, there has been an uptick in identity thefts. Last year, more than 3,800 Missourians reported being victims of identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission. The authorities say people should take additional care in disposing of waste that may contain personal information.
Idenity theft has been on the rise as personal information such as bank statements and credit card applications have been seized, while Social Security numbers have been sold to falsify resident and work status. The FBI reports that it is the fastest-growing crime in the United States.
Despite the prevalence of Internet-related identity thefts, police still suggest that residents not hesitate to report stolen wallets or purses, and notify credit card companies, banks and the Social Security office sooner rather than later to avoid the chance of vital information being used by thieves.
Also, authorities said, don’t respond to e-mails made to look like legitimate requests from financial institutions to verify user names, passwords and other information. Legitimate companies do not operate in that fashion.
Another common source for potentially valuable personal information can often be found right outside the doors of most residents, as improper disposal of old mail can have disastrous financial consequences.
Old receipts, billing statements, credit card applications, as well as any medical or financial information sent through the mail, should be shredded to avoid the possibility of vital information getting into the wrong hands, police said.
Another tip form the Missouri Attorney General's office is to send sensitive mail using a Post Office drop box, rather than your mailbox at home.
If you think that your identity is jeopardized, take action as soon as possible to minimize damages to your finances and reputation.
The Attorney General’s Office has set up a hotline to help residents to recognize and report identity theft. Complaint investigators also will help advise victims of identity theft. Call 1-800-392-8222. Or visit the Online Identity Theft Complaint Form at http://ago.mo.gov/forms/idtheftcomplaintform.pdf
The Federal Trade Commission (receives and processes complaints from people who believe they may be victims of identity theft, provides informational materials to those people, and refers those complaints to appropriate entities, including the major credit reporting agencies and law enforcement agencies). Call 1-877-438-4338 or click on http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/
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