Senator Bill Dodd: Protect your Identity

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States, impacting 1.5 million Californians every year.

California law includes protections for consumers, but more is always needed as criminals find new ways to take advantage of the vulnerable.

I authored the Identity Theft Resolution Act to help identity theft victims fix their credit and get on with their lives a quickly as possible. As a victim of identity theft myself, I encourage you to take steps to protect yourself from being victimized in the first place.

Here are helpful tips for avoiding identity theft:

1. Before you reveal any personally identifying information, find out how it will be used and whether it will be shared with others. Ask if you have a choice about the use of your information. Can you choose to have it kept confidential? Request a copy of all company privacy policies for businesses that you have dealings with both on and off line.

2. Pay close attention to your billing cycles. Follow up with creditors if your bills don't arrive on time. A missing credit card bill could mean an identity thief has taken over your credit card account and changed your billing address to cover his tracks.

3. Do not give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or over the Internet unless you have initiated the contact or know who you're dealing with.

Visit Senator Dodd’s website or www.consumer.ftc.gov for information on the latest scams and tips to avoid fraud.