Beverley Square West Association

From Jack Rubman, BSW Co-President, on Identity Theft

Apr 02, 2004

ONCE AGAIN IT?’S SPRING- When a young man?’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of ?– Identity
Theft! (Well, at least some young men). Just a few reminders:
1- NEVER give someone you don?’t know your credit card number especially over the phone!
2- Never give someone your Social Security number (EVEN more important)
3- If someone ?“from your bank?” or a ?“credit bureau?” calls and needs any information
(especially credit) tell him or her to send it to you on company or bank stationary and ONLY
in writing. People have been calling as a ?“Bank Examiner?”. They will say they?’re with the
bank or the police- BE VERY CAUTIOUS of anyone you don?’t know needing credit or bank
bank information. If he?’s really with the bank, he already has it.
4- ALWAYS know when your Credit Card statements arrive! They?’re always mailed around
the same time each month- if it?’s more than a week late- call your bank.
5- SHRED everything you?’re disposing of, or rip it into lots of teeny-tiny pieces. Remember-
they can?’t hurt you without your account number (or Social Security number).
6- If someone calls claiming to be with the IRS or phone company about an unpaid bill- ask
for documentation of the problem IN WRITING. Also, if someone ?“finds?” an envelope at
your feet filled with money- and the end result is your removing money from your bank-
notify the police!
7- Always check your credit card statement for charges you may not have made. Carefully!
8- If you suspect someone has stolen your identity, contact the N.Y. State Attorney General
at 1-800-771-7755 or www.oag.state.ny.us

PLEASE be careful. We work too hard for our money to have it stolen from us.
ALWAYS BE VIGILANT.