PROTECT YOURSELF FROM IDENTITY THEFT
by NM Attorney General Patricia Madrid
When most people think of theft, they think of property theft. While unpleasant, replacing a television is simple, especially when you compare it with what you will go through if you are the victim of identity theft. If you are the victim of identity theft, it means that someone is pretending to be you, they may establish credit in your name and then not pay the bills. As the victim of identity theft you can find your credit ruined and creditors believing you are the individual who owes them money.
Identity theft can occur when someone obtains your social security number and date of birth. With this limited information and a false birth or baptismal certificate, someone can obtain documents such as a driver’s license and social security card. From there the rest is easy -- credit card applications can be completed and obtained, loans taken out, checking accounts opened – all using your identity.
What’s the problem? When the person doesn’t pay, guess who the creditors are going to find? You. And your trouble has just started because you will have to prove you are not the person who did this to every creditor!
You can help protect yourself against identity theft in a number of ways, including:
- Don’t carry your social security number in your purse or wallet;
- Don’t have your social security number printed on your driver’s license or checks;
- Reduce the amount of personal information “out there” - don’t sign up for all the “drawings” and “give aways” you see around campus or in the malls, they are opportunities to get your name, address and phone number on marketers lists;
- If you have more than one credit card, try to only carry one;
- Keep a photocopy of your credit cards, account numbers, expiration dates, and telephone numbers for reporting stolen cards in a safe, secure place (not your wallet or purse);
- Take credit card or ATM receipts with you, don’t toss them in the trash without tearing them up.
Don’t let anyone steal your identity, it’s the only one you have! If you think you have been the victim of identity theft, contact your local law enforcement agency.
If you have a question or consumer complaint you may contact the Consumer Protection Division of the Attorney General's Office in any of the following ways:
- call toll-free at 800-678-1508;
- on-line at www.ago.state.nm.us;
- or write to: P.O. Box 1508 Santa Fe, NM 87504-1508.
Patricia Madrid is the Attorney General of New Mexico.
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