Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/332636
I DENTITY THEFT OCCURS when some- one uses your personal information, such as your name, Social Security number or other identifying infor- mation, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes. An iden- tity thief may use a legitimate taxpayer's identity to fraudulently file a tax return and claim a refund. Identity thieves may also use your personal information to drain your bank accounts, apply for credit, purchase goods and ser vices with your money or credit, etc. To reduce the chance of you becoming a victim of identity theft, there are a few tips that can help. Ca rr y only essentia l documents with you. Avoid carrying extra credit cards, your Social Security card, birth certificate or passport with you outside your home. Be careful when giving out personal information over the phone. Identity thieves may call, posing as banks or government agencies. Do not give out personal information over the phone unless you initiated the call. Shred your receipts, credit ca rd offers, bank statements, and any other sensitive information before throwing it away. To identity thieves, your trash may be their treasure. Stay aware of your credit reporting activity. Make sure your credit reports are accurate and consider signing up for a credit monitoring service, which can alert you by email to changes in your credit report. Protect your Social Security Number. Make sure your banks do not print your Social Security Number on your personal checks. Also, do not elect to have your social security number on your driver's license. Follow your credit card billing cycles closely. Identity thieves can start by changing your billing address. Making sure you get you bill every month will make sure nothing is wrong. Keep a list of account numbers, expi- ration dates and telephone numbers filed away safely. If your wallet or purse is stolen, being able to quickly alert your creditors is essential. Create online passwords or PIN num- bers out of a random mix of letters and numbers. Passwords and PINS should also be periodically changed. If you are ever a victim of identity theft, you should report the incident as soon as possible. When you act quickly, you have a chance to minimize the dam- age. Keep a record of your actions and be prepared to notify the proper parties. Cont ac t you r ba n k , cred it ca rd company, etc of the source you first identified as being theft. Cont act t he U.S. Federa l Trade Commission. Your report may help them locate the identity theft source or ring if is on a larger scale. Call them at 877-438-4338. Visit your local police department and file a report. Make sure to get copy of the report for yourself. Contact the three main credit-report- ing agencies — Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. They will be able to put a fraud alert on your file. Also order a copy of each services credit report to make sure there aren't any other problems. Tax fraud should be reported to the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490. Ron Pavlovich is a senior manager in the Medical Practice Management Group of CBIZ MHM, LLC, in Akron, Ohio. ■ Battling Identity Theft By Ronald F. Pavlovich, CPA ++++++++++++++++++++++++ + +++ + +++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++ BUSINESS SECTION 3 4 | Cleveland/Akron/Canton MD NEWS ■ M D N E W S . CO M ■ J U LY/AU G U S T 2 0 1 4