Also, if you think you have received this type of request, call Southern Security directly at 901-452-7900 or 1-800-633-4128 to report it. Do not use another number provided to you. Or contact your local branch manager whom you know.

What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your name, Social Security number, credit card number or other identifying information, without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes. A thief may make purchases or establish new credit cards using your good name and credit while using his own address. The widespread use of the SSN as an identifier and authenticator has led to an increase in identity theft. Once a Social Security number is obtained fraudulently, it can be used as "breeder" information to obtain a loan, access bank accounts or create false identification documents, such as a driver's license. With an estimated 10 million individuals being victimized by identity theft each year, preventing identity thieves from obtaining Social Security numbers is increasingly essential.¹

One of the most frustrating aspects of identity theft is that, unlike other crimes in the United States, victims are guilty until proven innocent. Victims are responsible for clearing their names and protesting fraudulent debts. According to the Consumers Union, it takes consumers an average of 300 to 500 hours to fix their credit once their identity has been compromised. That’s the equivalent of working non-stop, 40-hour weeks for 7.5 – 12.5 weeks!

How do I protect myself?

Here are some simple steps you can take to guard against it.

• Shred all documents – those offers of credit that come in the mail should not just be tossed. Someone can easily take that from your trash, mail it in and wait for a new credit card to come to your mailbox where they take it before you get home. You may not even know it’s happened until the bills arrive.
• Eliminate extra credit cards from wallets/purses. It can’t be stolen if you don’t have it with you.
• Do not provide personal information over the phone or internet from someone who contacted you first. Your financial institutions will not contact you and ask for your account numbers, access numbers/passwords or PINs (personal identification numbers). They already have that information!
• Remove mail from your mailbox or PO Box promptly/daily.
• Remove your name from mailing lists. By calling (888) 5OPT-OUT, you can get your name off the marketing lists of the three primary credit bureaus. (This will, in turn, decrease the number of pre-approved credit offers you receive.)
• Keep your ATM/debit receipts. Many times your account number and/or name is on the receipt. Don’t simply toss it aside. Keep it or shred it.
• Memorize all PINs and passwords. Don’t keep these in your wallet. And don’t write your PINs on your cards! That’s giving two pieces of the puzzle to a thief.
• Do not keep your social security card or number in your wallet. Unfortunately, over half of all Americans do. But if your wallet is stolen, your name, SSN, address – everything can be used against you by thieves.
• If your driver’s license contains your social security number, request that it be removed. If you live in Tennessee, your number will appear below your address unless you ask that it be withheld. If you live in Mississippi, Arkansas or another state where your social security number is your driver’s license number, request a different number be issued. States are required to comply with your request. Also, be sure any work or student ID does not include your SSN. The idea is to separate your social security number from your name and address whenever possible.
• Match receipts to your monthly statements – whether credit or ATM/debit card. If there are more purchases than receipts, make sure they are indeed your purchases. If not, report them immediately.
• If you have a change in your address, tell your financial institutions in advance.