Around eight million people are expected to be victims of identity theft in 2009. With the holiday shopping season upon us, here are a few tips that may help you from becoming an identity theft statistic:

Reduce the number of credit and debit cards you carry in your wallet and keep track of the cards you do carry. If your wallet is lost or stolen, you will want to know which cards were in it so you can notify the appropriate financial institution.
When using your credit and debit cards, pay close attention to how the magnetic stripe information is swiped by the waiter or clerk. Dishonest employees have been known to use small hand-held devices called skimmers to quickly swipe cards and then later use the account number for Internet shopping.

Don’t use debit cards when shopping online. Use a credit card because you are better protected in case of fraud.

If you shop online, make sure your computer’s personal firewall is enabled and that your anti-virus software is active and up-to-date. Symantec Endpoint Protection, an anti-virus software, for home and work use is available at no cost to all UNM students, staff and faculty. Visit it.unm.edu/download to get your free copy of Symantec.

Never give out personal identifying information like your checking account, credit card or Social Security number over the telephone or via the Internet unless you initiate the call (and don’t call the phone numbers listed in “bank” e-mails as the phone numbers may be fake, too).

Never give out your password or PIN for your check card, credit card or ATM card
to anyone.

Don’t carry your Social Security card with you except for situations when it is required, like the first day on the job.

Don’t leave mail in your mailbox overnight on weekends; promptly remove mail from your mailbox after delivery and deposit outgoing mail at the post office. Remember to shred old bills and bank statements rather than just tossing them.
Check your accounts frequently and contact your bank or credit union if you notice any suspicious activity. Order and thoroughly review copies of your credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies. Visit www.AnnualCreditReport.com (not www.FreeAnnualCreditReport.com)
If you have questions about computer security or have ideas for future topics, please feel free to contact me at mcarr@unm.edu.

Mike Carr is the UNM Director of Security & Quality Assurance.