Identity thieves get information in a variety of ways, including:

• Stealing personal items such as a wallet, purse, laptop, personal digital assistant and mail
• Picking through garbage for discarded credit card statements, bank statements and pre-approved credit card offers Hacking into computers
• Posing as someone else to obtain personal information from a bank, credit card company, etc.
• Conducting telephone and email scams

Stay One Step Ahead

To minimize your risk of identity theft, the Federal Trade Commission recommends taking the following precautions:

• Check your home mailbox daily, and drop your outgoing mail into a secure U.S. postal mailbox only.
• Since fewer credit card solicitations in your mailbox mean fewer opportunities for theft, you can opt out by calling 888-567-8688.
• Carry only what you need in your wallet or purse, and leave your Social Security card at home in a safe place.
• Pay attention to your billing cycles, as identity thieves may change your billing address on your credit cards, so late bills may indicate a problem.
• Give out your personal information on a need-to-know basis and to legitimate businesses only.

Report Identity Theft

If your wallet or some of its contents are stolen:

• Determine what's been stolen, and call all creditors immediately to cancel your accounts.
• File a police report. This will help provide proof of immediate action to your credit card providers.
• Call the three national credit reporting bureaus, as well as the Social Security Administration, so that a fraud alert can be placed on your name and Social Security number.

Contact INSURICA for more Personal Lines resources.

This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information provided herein is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should it be construed as advice regarding coverage. Eligibility for coverage is not guaranteed and all coverages are limited to the terms and conditions contained in the applicable policy. © 2025 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.