Identity theft continues to be a growing concern. It can happen to anyone, and all too often, the damage is done before you're aware you've become a victim.

So, what's identity theft? Some crooks will steal credit cards to finance a shopping spree. True identity theft has nothing to do with your accounts. Instead, personal information like your Social Security number or birth date is being used to open credit accounts in your name to spend without you knowing. This can have a disastrous effect on your credit score, and you may never know what has happened until you're denied a loan. So, what can you do to help avoid becoming a victim of identity theft?

Keep a close eye on your mail

• Never leave mail in your mailbox unattended. Put a post office stop on your mail if you're out of town.
• If you have to mail financial information (loan payments, deposits, etc.), drop them off at the post office, not your mailbox.
• Access and view your accounts electronically. Online banking services like CU OnLine offer convenience and security far above traditional mail.
• Pay bills online. Most bills (utility, department store, gas station, etc.) can be viewed and paid within the security of online banking. At CU SoCal, the service is absolutely free for all Members.
• CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS CAREFULLY. Monitor all account activity for any signs of suspicious or unauthorized transactions. Immediately report anything that doesn't seem right to you.

Shred, shred, shred

• Throwing out old financial information is the easiest way to become a victim of identity theft. Buy a shredder! Before you throw something away that has financial information, shred it. This applies to unsolicited credit card offers that you often receive in the mail.
• Cut up old credit cards that you're no longer using.
• Close old financial accounts that you no longer use.

Protect your personal information

• Whenever possible, password protect any account you can.
• While it may be hard for you to remember a complicated password, one with a combination of letters and numbers won't be easy to steal. Also, don't use easy passwords such as birth dates, your name or a series of consecutive numbers.
• Know who you are sharing information with, especially when you're doing so online or by phone. Unless you're initiating the contact, never disclosure your Social Security number, birth date or driver's license number.
• Don't carry your Social Security card with you. Keep it in a safe place at home.
• In a secure area at home, keep a list of all account numbers, credit card numbers and contact information. Should anything be taken from you, this list can be used to quickly cancel or close your accounts.

Monitor your credit report

• Request a free credit report each year, and look it over carefully to spot anything that looks suspicious.
• Act immediately if you see anything on your report that was not initiated by you.
• You're allowed one free credit report from each of the three credit-reporting agencies. Be sure to take advantage of this benefit, as there may be slight differences between the reports.

To order a credit report:

Equifax
888.766.0008
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374
www.equifax.com

Experian
888.397.3742
P.O. Box 2104
Allen, TX 75013
www.experian.com

TransUnion
800.680.7289
P.O. Box 6790
Fullerton, CA 92834
www.transunion.com