ID Theft
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Chuck Denney
Using an ATM or paying for something with a credit or debit card.
Checking your email or ordering something online.
Opening your mailbox. Even tossing out the trash.
These are all common tasks many of us do daily.
Not to be an alarmist, but these are some of the ways your identity can be compromised or stolen.
Dr. Ann Berry
It can cost you hundreds, thousands of dollars - also hours of time to get everything straightened out.
Chuck Denney
UT Extension’s Dr. Ann Berry says identity theft is getting worse in Tennessee and across the country.
As our society becomes more computerized, we become more vulnerable to having our information stolen.
But other times identity theft simply takes the form of just plain snooping - so-called “shoulder surfing” Dr. Berry says.
Dr. Ann Berry
If you’re shopping and you use an ATM or debit card and you put that pin number in, if you don’t shield that key pad, somebody could be looking over your shoulder and get that information.
Chuck Denney
A recent government report says some 90 million Americans had their identity compromised last year alone, mostly online.
And the really scary thing here is - it’s actually pretty easy to steal someone’s financial information.
Dr. Dena Wise is with UT Extension.
Dr. Dena Wise
They don’t need a whole lot. They need your name, address, maybe birth date and then an account number or two, and then they’re sort of on their own.
Chuck Denney
Your social security number is another thing to protect carefully, Dr. Wise recommends.
Don’t carry anything with your social number in your wallet or purse in case it gets stolen.
It might not be a bad idea to invest in a paper shredder too.
Destroy documents that contain personal information, especially credit card offers.
If you throw them away, someone might be waiting to go through that dumpster.
Dr. Dena Wise
In dumpster diving, people just go through garbage and get credit card statements or addresses or account numbers or other information that could lead them to your identity.
Chuck Denney
Other advice here - don’t give account numbers over the phone to anyone.
And avoid mailing things from your mailbox with the red flag raised.
In this day and age, when it comes to our personal and financial information, some things you should keep to yourself.
This is Chuck Denney reporting.
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NOTE: UT experts say if you are a victim of identity theft, contact law enforcement and alert your bank and credit card companies.
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