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Privacy
Resolutions: Make 2007 Prosperous and Private!
We at the PRC wish you a happy, prosperous and private new
year. For 2007, resolve to do what you can to guard against identity
theft and stop unwanted intrusions via your mailbox, telephone, or fax
machine. When it comes to privacy, there are no guarantees. But the following
resolutions are a good way to start off the new year.
- Check your credit reports. You are entitled
to a free report from all three national credit bureaus once every
12 months. If you ordered your reports in 2006, mark your calendar
for the appropriate month in 2007. For more information, see the Federal
Trade Commission's Facts for Consumers at www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/freereports.htm.
- Review credit card and bank account statements
frequently.
Online access to your accounts means you don’t have to wait for
the statements to come in the mail. If you do access your accounts
online, be sure to use your home computer rather than one open to public
access such as found at Internet cafes.
- Check your Social Security Earnings Statement for
any signs of fraud. You should receive one from the Social
Security Administration every year about 3 months before your birthday. Look
for earnings that exceed the amount you earned. It could be a sign
that someone is using your SSN for employment. If you did not receive
an earnings statement in 2006, contact the Social Security Administration
to request one. You may do this online at www.ssa.gov/online/ssa-7004.html .
- Never respond to unsolicited e-mails or telephone
calls that
ask for your Social Security number, account numbers or other personal
information.
- Do shred all documents that contain personal
information. Use a cross-cut shredder.
- Sign up for the National Do-Not-Call List to
limit unwanted telephone solicitations. (888) 382-1222 or www.donotcall.gov
- Stop pre-approved credit and insurance offers.
(888) 5-OPT-OUT / (888) 567-8688, or opt out online at www.optoutprescreen.com.
- Review privacy notices from your bank or other financial institution
and take a few minutes to opt-out.
- Be a “squeaky wheel.” If
you receive unwanted faxes, complain to the Federal Communications
Commission (www.fcc.gov).
If you receive unwanted telemarketing calls or if pre-recorded sales
calls are left on your answering machine, complain to the Federal Trade
Commission (www.ftc.gov)
- Check your computer and make sure
you’ve installed the
latest firewalls.
- Open all mail, especially envelopes that
include only a P.O. Box as a return address. Credit card companies
that send you replacement cards or convenience checks may try to disguise
the mailing by including only a limited return address.
For more tips on preserving your privacy and protecting
your identity in 2007:
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