Identity Theft Prevention

Back To Identity Theft

Wichita State University's Identity Theft Prevention policy is outlined in the Policies and Procedures manual, 13.15 / Identity Theft Prevention *.

To add to the policy, below is some information and tips that you can use to help prevent someone from stealing your identity.

How Identity Theft is Committed

"Dumpster Diving" - Going through personal or business trash looking for anything with personal information.
"Shoulder Surfing" - Watching a victim punch in a PIN number at an ATM or enter a telephone credit-card number.
"Y2K trick" - Tricking a victim over the phone to divulge personal identifying information or financial information.
"Pretext" - Posing as someone who legitimately and legally needs information about a victim, such as a landlord or employer.
Pickpocketing.
Over the Internet by gaining access to databases containing dates of birth, social security numbers and mother's maiden names.
Employees with access to accounts or credit card numbers who then sell or uses this information.

How to Protect Yourself

Shred all pre-approved credit card offers

If you decide not to take advantage of an offer, shred or tear it into very small pieces before throwing it away.
Shred any papers with confidential information in them; any account number may be used in identity theft. This includes receipts, canceled checks, bank statements and expired charge cards, medical bills and insurance documents.
If you don't want to receive pre-approved credit card offers, call 1-888-5-OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688) to remove your name from major credit bureau lists.

Limit the amount of cards in your wallet

Since many identity thefts are traced back to a stolen purse or wallet, carry as few cards with identification and personal information as possible.
Don't carry your social security card in your wallet. Keep it in a secure location.
Bring only one credit card with you when you shop. Place cards in different places to avoid losing them if your wallet or purse is stolen.

Protect personal information

Experts suggest that you don't print your Social Security number, driver's license number, phone number or date of birth on checks.
Be wary of any mail, telephone or Internet requests for information.
Unless you have initiated the contact with the business, don't give out any confidential information such as a credit card number, Social Security number, PIN, birth date or your mother's maiden name.
Be careful with e-mails that appear to be from a legitimate company asking you to enter information at a linked web site; they may be phony.
Only a few institutions such as businesses granting you credit, employers filling out tax forms or government agencies have legitimate reasons asking for your Social Security number. If a business refuses to serve you if you don't provide the number, go elsewhere.

Check all Statements

Check banking and credit statements as soon as you receive them. Look for unexplained charges or activity.
Keep track of when your bill arrives each month and if it is late, call the company and check to see if any changes have been made to your account.

* - This link leaves the FINANCIAL OPERATIONS & BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY website.