To reduce or minimize the risk of becoming a victim of identity theft or fraud, there are some basic steps you can take.
For starters, just remember the word "SCAM"

S - Be stingy about giving out your personal information. Do not carry extra credit cards, yours or family members social security cards, birth certificates or passports.

C - Check your financial information regularly and look for what should be there and what shouldn't. Pay attention to your billing cycles.

A - Ask periodically for a copy of your credit report.

M - Maintain careful records of your banking and financial accounts. Do not throw away pre-approved credit offers or any financial information without shredding or tearing them into small pieces first.
Write checks with a fine point permanent marker.
Guard your mail from theft. Deposit outgoing mail in post office collection boxes or at your local post office.

Please contact the Richland County Sheriff's Department at 803-576-3118 if you or your community group would like to receive free fraud prevention training.

Copyright © 2006 Richland County Sheriff's Department