NMJournal.com
Consumer Alert

PROTECT YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION

Patricia Madrid   by NM Attorney General Patricia Madrid

When you think about personal protection, don't forget to think about protecting personal information. If you receive a call asking for personal information, do not give it out.

Many of the calls received by the Attorney General's Office of Consumer Protection are from individuals who have received calls asking for credit card numbers for a variety of reasons - providing refunds on recent purchases, making credit cards Y2K complaint, conducting Y2K compliance tests, to name a few. Many, if not all, of these types of calls are scams. The intent of the call is to get your credit card number so that it may be used, or the number sold, for fraudulent purposes.

While erroneous charges on an account are a problem, there are worse things that can happen if you disclose personal information. In particular, disclosing your social security number may have extreme consequences. Identity theft occurs when someone other than you establishes credit in your name with your social security number. A consumer has limited liability when their credit card is used to make fraudulent purchases. If someone steals your identity, it is your responsibility to clear up the matter and it can be extremely difficult and time consuming.

To guard against identity theft:

  • Do not carry your social security card, passport, or birth certificate in your wallet or purse;
  • Do not have your social security number placed on your checks or driver's license;
  • Request a copy of your credit report annually and review it to determine if anyone other than yourself has established an account under your name. Credit reports may be obtained from CSC Credit (800 759-5979), Experian (800 682-7654), or Transunion (800 888-4213).

If you suspect you have been the victim of identity theft, file a report with your local law enforcement agency, and notify the Consumer Protection Division of the Attorney General's Office.

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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