This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

ID Theft and Phone Scams ... Take That Extra Step

A few extra steps may help you avoid being a victim of identity theft.

Identity theft is one of many things listed in my official job description.  More specifically, to do what I can to communicate and educate the public as to ways of avoiding identity theft and/or what to do if it does happen.  The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the government agency tasked with all things "identity theft" and their approach of DETER-DETECT-DEFEND is excellent.

I spend time giving community presentations on the topic and also making sure that information is available on-line and in our bank branches.  There are a number of other things we do as a business to assist our customers, but that is not the point of this blog entry.

Common sense and extra diligence is what I preach today.  If something does not seem absolutely 100% right ... STOP.  There is not much in this world that is so urgent that it can't wait for you to validate what you're doing. 

Find out what's happening in Glenviewwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Get a call from your credit card company wanting information?  STOP and call back at the number listed on your card.  Get a call from your bank wanting to verify debit card information?  STOP and call your bank.

Get a call from a purported grandchild who states they are in Canada and need bail money wired to them (but please don't tell their parent)?  STOP and call someone who can tell you if your grandchild is in Canada.

Find out what's happening in Glenviewwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

These are things that happen every day, and they are not going to go away.  We try and list every new scam we hear about on a dedicated web page at http://gsb.com/fraud/fraudPressRoom.html

More information on the FTC program can be found at www.ftc.gov/idtheft

Please, educate yourself, your children, your friends, and family members.  There are a number of suggested tips and recommendations available to help anyone minimize the chances of becoming a victim.

In addition to those recommendations, please remember, when something doesn't seem right, trust your instincts and take the extra step to deter, detect and defend yourselves against identity theft.

 

 

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?