|
 |
 |
| Protecting yourself from
identity theft |
|
| Julie Tremmel |
|
4/8/2009 - PALMER, Mass. (WWLP) - Authorities say it could take up to 2 years for your credit to recover after you've been a victim of identity theft. Authorities say it's easier to protect your identity from being stolen, than it is to pick up the pieces after you've been had.
On Wednesday night Chief Robert Frydrick of the Palmer Police Department taught a seminar about how to protect yourself from identity theft, and some of what he taught surprised the students. "Protect your personal information like you would your cash, even at home, secure it. Secure your social security number in locked devices. We find that people's identity is stolen the low tech way by having their mail stolen, their trash is pilfered, they need to be award of the fact that that occurs," said Chief Frydrick.
Lorraine Martin of Monson has been a victim of identity theft. Two years ago a crook charged $54,000 worth of merchandise in her name, and she's still dealing with the paperwork. "When you notice that there's a credit card and a paper coming in the mail that you have purchased such and such, you better do something about it quickly, which I did," said Martin.
Some tips for protecting yourself from identity theft:
Choose a six digit ATM pin code instead of a 4 digit one.
Make sure to quit a browser, not just close it, when doing working on a public computer at a library or internet cafe.
All sensitive paperwork you put in the trash should be shredded.
Frydrick also says that thieves tend to also target people with impeccable credit.
|
|
|
|
