Identity Theft Prevention When Buying a House

Protect Your Home by Protecting Against Identity Theft:

• Make sure your mailbox has a lock and key.
• Do not leave outgoing mail in your mailbox. Take it to the post office instead.
• Make a list of your bank and credit cards with their account numbers and customer assistance telephone numbers. Note your statements and credit cards estimated arrival dates and expiration dates. Failure to receive current statements can mean an unauthorized address change. Having a secure list can help you move quickly if needed.
• Immediately report stolen credit cards.
• Shred all credit card and home refinance check solicitations. Shred all documentation that contains personal and/or financial information that is not securely filed.
• Monitor your credit card, bank statements, and home equity loan balances on a monthly basis.
• Never provide your bank account information, mother’s maiden name, or your social security over the phone unless you are dealing with a familiar and trusted institution.
• Run your credit report every six months.
• Do not carry your social security card with you-store it somewhere safe.

Protect Your Credit and Home Once You Become a Victim of Identity Theft

• Contact the fraud department of the three major credit bureaus through the Federal Trade Commission at www.identity-theft-tips.com/call-sheet.html. Here you will find the phone numbers needed and directions on how to complete the FTC Identity Theft Affidavit.
• Contact your creditors that have incorrect or fraudulent charges or who show you as a creditor to an unauthorized account. Send them a copy of the FTC Affidavit by registered mail.
• File a police report and keep a copy for your files.
• Document everything! People’s names, dates, and times of your calls. Keep time of the hours you spend; by law, if the perpetrator is caught, you can be reimbursed for your time.
• Talk to all government agencies:
  • US Post Office: http://www.usps.com/forms/miscforms.htm and download PS Form 8165 Mail Fraud Report.
  • Social Security Administration: www.ssa.gov/pubs/idtheft.html
  • Check verification companies can be found at: www.fightidentitytheft.com.