Don't I know you?

This morning there was a safety meeting presented by Scott Ferris, KBI Special Agent, on identity thief. It was excellent.

How does identity theft occur? There is the obvious, email or phone, stealing credit card, credit reports, trash or taking mail out of your mailbox. They access credit reports by poising as a landlord, employer or someone else who might have legal right to your report. As a result of the federal Fair Credit REporting Act, each person is entitled to one free credit report each year. Contact this link (annualcreditreport.com) and not the reporting agencies individually.

He demonstrated how the new camera phones are used to steal numbers. Someone may be talking on the phone behind you at the checkout. They might take the picture without you even realizing because they have the phone in their hand.

Examples of things you should do often. Check your credit report to make sure there are no credit card accounts showing nonpayment. Such an account would indicate they have opened a bogus account in your name. Thief of a cell phone might involve opening a new account in your name and running up a bill. Only carry one credit card. When you check your credit rating, close all accounts that are not in use. Do not store personal information on a laptop that you use while traveling. Shred all personal information before disposal. Check bills closely. Most is logical. Just be diligent.

This afternoon was the keynote address by the National Vice President. Check in tomorrow evening for the wrapup report and a bio of another interesting former rural carrier.