We KNOW we need to protect our credit, and we MEAN to do something about it. I admit that I haven’t yet done all I can do, and I’m too old to rebuild my finances if I’m hit. I know, too, that the prime target is not the rich but regular folks like us and older or otherwise vulnerable people. That’s why I’m putting California’s U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer’s reminders (with handy links) on my “must-do” list for the next few days–for myself and for some people I know and care for.
If you’ve been procrastinating and are getting worried enough to act, here are her reminders:
- Monitor your credit regularly and report any suspicious activity to your financial institution. You can request a free credit report from www.AnnualCreditReport.com, or by calling 1-877-322-8228.
- If you are worried your account has been compromised, you can set up a fraud alert on your credit profile by calling TransUnion at 1-800-680-7289. This requires creditors to contact you before opening any new lines of credit under your name.
- Protect yourself from common attempts to steal your information. Be cautious of unsolicited emails asking for sensitive information like your Social Security Number or banking information. If an email looks suspicious, do not click any of the links or download the attachments. Also remember that federal agencies like the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will never request your personal or financial information via email.
- Ensure that your computer has the latest software updates and anti-virus protection.
You can find additional tips and other helpful materials on the Federal Trade Commission’s website, www.consumer.gov/idtheft.