Identity Theft- A Concern for the Military

A life in the military can require a service member to move frequently, as well as spend extended periods of time away from home, both of which are common with those victimized by identity theft. In addition, there are many Internet-based risks.

Did you know??

As an Active Duty service member you can place an “active duty alert” on your credit report, which requires creditors to take steps to verify your identity before granting credit in your name.

An active duty alert is effective for one year, unless you ask for it to be removed sooner. If your deployment lasts longer than a year, you may place another alert on your report. For more information visit on setting up an active duty alert visit the www.ftc.gov/idtheft.

Detect and Defend against identity theft—Good Practices

DETECT

Routinely monitor your financial accounts and billing statements.

Everyone is entitled to one free credit report per year. So take advantage of it www.AnnualCreditReport.com.

Review your financial accounts and read your billing statements regularly, looking for charges you did not make.

DEFEND

As soon as you suspect identity theft it is best to act swiftly to protect yourself.

Place a “Fraud Alert” on your credit reports, and review the reports carefully.

Close any accounts that have been tampered with or breached.

Contact the fraud departments of each company where an account was opened or changed without your okay and follow up in writing.

Ask for verification that any disputed account has been closed and the fraudulent debts discharged.

Retain copies of documents pertaining to the identity theft.

Report the theft to your Commanding Officer, local and military law enforcement, as well as the Federal Trade Commission.

OTHER GOOD PRACTICES

• Don’t give out personal information unless the receiving party is a trusted organization/person.
• Shred, or SAFELY store, all financial documents and bills.
• Safeguard your government ID’s, including your Social Security card, military ID and MYPAY DFAS information.
• Don’t let your mail pile up unattended.
• Never lend your credit cards or account information to anyone else. HOW TO REDUCE THE CHANCE OF IDENTITY THEFT ONLINE
• Frequently change your online account usernames and passwords.
• Do not fall victim to “phishing,” which is the practice of fraudsters pretending to be financial institutions and sending spam or pop-messages in an attempt to capture your personal information.  If you receive an email asking for your information, call the company to ensure it’s legitimate.  Likely you’ll discover it was a “phishing” attempt.
• Frequently check your computer for spy ware.
• Install virus protection on your computer and always operate behind firewall protection.
• Never provide your username or passwords in an email.

article source = U.S. Department of Defense website