CONSUMER AFFAIRS OFFICE
Township of Livingston
DIRECTOR: WALTER D. LeVINE
Director’s Office: (973) 377-3313
IDENTITY THEFT ALERT
It was recently reported that the parent company of two discount
department stores disclosed thefts of consumer data from its
computers. While this took place in early December, it was just
reported to the public. This theft included information on customers’ major
credit cards, each store’s own cards and checks This is
a recurring problem that many major retailers and other businesses
have reported in the past, and it will probably continue.
While the media reported this, their suggestions on what potential
actions should be taken by affected consumers, were limited.
Further, most major credit card issuers (Visa, Bank of America
and American Express) have stated they are on the alert for unusual
activity involving their card holders, but that might not be
sufficient to protect you, to avoid use of your cards and/or
identity theft.
Here are some suggestions, provided by the media and our local
Consumer Affairs Office, on what you can do to protect yourself.
- Alert your card issuer of the problem.
- Immediately freeze and change your credit card, by having
a new number issued.
- Periodically monitor you bills, which most credit card issuers
allow be done through the Internet. Do not wait until you receive
your bill.
- Notify the various credit agencies and ask for copies of
their most recent statements on you, to see if anyone has undertaken
to apply for credit in your name. Advise them of any unauthorized
activity. Usually, you are entitled to a free report annually,
but even if a small charge is imposed, it may be worth it.
- If you paid for a purchase by check, call your bank and arrange
for a replacement account, freezing the use of your current
account.
You should be aware that many stores require
some secondary identification, like a driver's license, when
a check is used for payment. This number is sometimes written
on your check. If
your driver’s
license information is stolen, report this to Motor Vehicles
and ask them to freeze the issuance of duplicate licenses. Of
course, in today’s
electronic age, this will not prevent a phony license from being
created using your identity. But, notifying your bank and credit
card issuers might minimize your risk and exposure.
posted January 28, 2007
