Protect Yourself From Privacy Injury

Even though the laws are on your side, it's wise to take an active role in protecting your information.

     Don't give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or over the Internet unless you've initiated the contact or know whom you're dealing with. Pretexters may pose as representatives of survey firms, banks, Internet service providers and even government agencies to get you to reveal your SSN, mother's maiden name, financial account numbers and other identifying information. Legitimate organizations with which you do business have the information they need and will not ask you for it.

     Be informed. Ask your financial institutions for their policies about sharing your information. Ask them specifically about their policies to prevent pretexting.

     Pay attention to your statement cycles. Follow up with your financial institutions if your statements don't arrive on time.

     Review your statements carefully and promptly. Report any discrepancies to your institution immediately.

     Alert family members to the dangers of pretexting. Explain that only you, or someone you authorize, should provide personal information to others.

     Keep items with personal information in a safe place. Tear or shred your charge receipts, copies of credit applications, insurance forms, bank checks and other financial statements that you're discarding, expired charge cards and credit offers you get in the mail.

     Add passwords to your credit card, bank and phone accounts. Avoid using easily available information like your mother's maiden name, your birth date, the last four digits of your SSN or your phone number, or a series of consecutive numbers.

     Be mindful about where you leave personal information in your home - especially if you have roommates or are having work done in your home by others.