Specializing in Scottsdale Mortgages, Arizona Home Loans, Scottsdale Second Mortgages, Scottsdale Arizona Debt Consolidation

Take the Identity Theft Test

Check the box of the 50 precautions below if you are already doing it.

Total the number of checkmarks and see what your score means:

50 40, You are A Star-

We need you to assist us in giving public presentations about safety!

40-30, You are Cautious-

You are conscious and can always benefit from more adherences to safety.

30-20, You are Careless-

Review these tips and make every effort to incorporate them all.

20-10 You are Reckless-

There is so much to learn and so little time, start here now. Your Good Name is at stake!

Less than 10 Shocking-

It is only a matter of time until you will be found by dumpster divers, shoulder surfers, con artists, hackers or anyone who wants to easy access to your credit.

IDENTITY THEFT is:

The criminal use of stolen personal information name, birthdate, social security number to apply for credit, open bank accounts, obtain cell phones, purchase autos and houses. Often victims are unaware for months that crimes are being committed in their names.

Lurking behind the information explosion and easy access to credit are thieves stalking our computers and mail, nabbing our purses and digging through our trash, seeking out and stealing a priceless commodity - our identities. Armed with new names, criminals wreak havoc on unsuspecting citizens by committing any number of old-fashioned crimes under their assumed identities.

When Bad Things Happen To Your Good Name

is a free 33-page booklet from the FTC containing valuable information for prevention of and recovery from ID theft. It is available online at www.consumer.gov/idtheft or by calling toll free 1.877.IDTHEFT.

Visit 4cornersmortgage.com for special reports on Identity Theft.

For More Information on Identity Theft, call us at 970-259-1599

50 Ways to Leave Your Identity

1. _____Do Not give out your Social Security Number /personal information unless out you initialize the contact.

2. _____Do Not Give out your Social Security Number unless necessary.

3. _____Do Not carry your Social Security Card on you.

4. _____Lock Your Social Security Card in a safe or locking file cabinet in your home.

5. _____Never use your Social Security Number as an identifying number.

6. _____Check your credit with each of the 3 Credit Bureaus yearly (this is free once a year)

7. _____Make sure that your virus checker is updated.

8. _____Check your monthly bank and credit card statements for unauthorized charges.

9. _____Never buy anything on a website that does not use a SSL Secure Socket Layer.

10. _____Even in your home, you need to lock up all-important documents in a safe or locking file cabinet. This includes, bills, check stubs, statements, anything with your name, address, social security number, credit card numbers, bank account numbers, everything!

11. _____Drop all out going mail in a Post Office collection box.

12. _____Have a lock on your mailbox.

13. _____Shred Everything with a CROSS CUT Shredder!!!

14. _____Make sure that your wireless Internet is encrypted.

15. _____Never give out your passwords.

16. _____Place fraud alerts with all 3 credit bureaus.

17. _____When doing business with a company ask them what are they doing to protect your personal information.

18. _____Make a copy of everything in your wallet front & back.

19. _____Keep a list of all of your credit card numbers and the customer service phone numbers.

20. _____Be aware of the people around you when you use the ATM or debit card. People will look over your shoulder and get your pin number.

21. _____Do Not use ATMs that are not owned by a major financial institution or other trusted company!

22. _____Do Not sign the back of your credit cards instead write SEE ID.

23. _____Use numbers and letters in your passwords.

24. _____Do Not use the same password for all accounts.

25. _____Have mail sent to a post office box instead of your home.

26. _____When taking your car to the car wash or using a valet always give them the valet key and never give them your entire ring of keys which includes the key to your home.

27. _____Lock your glove box.

28. _____Black out personal information like your home address on your car registration.

29. _____When possible use your debit card like a credit card instead of using your PIN especially in situations where someone could be watching.

30. _____Never use an ATM at night when you are alone.

31. _____Do not leave Trash setting out unattended.

32. _____Ask questions before sharing your personnel information. Like why do you need it? How will it be used? How to you protect it to ensure that it will not be stolen?

33. _____Check with your employer; make sure they are doing everything to protect your personnel information.

34. _____If you lose your checks, debit cards, credit cards immediately contact the issuer and have them close the accounts.

35. _____Do Not give information out unless you are completely sure of the validity of the person/company that you are giving it to.

36. _____If you suspect something is wrong call the police.

37. _____Turn Off your computer when you are not using it.

38. _____Password protect your computer.

39. _____If you are going on vacation call the post office and have your mail delivery stopped.

40. _____Opt out of receiving pre-approved credit cards call 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567- 8688).

41. _____Whenever a business/company asks if they can send you information from other sources that they think might interest you say NO.

42. _____Take labels off of prescription bottles before discarding them.

43. _____If you have people in your home like cleaners, or maintenance people (plumber, painter, electrician) lock up all prescription drugs.

44. _____Only carry the minimal information on your person, i.e. drivers license and one or two credit cards.

45. _____Never use easily available information for passwords like birthdates, last 4-digits of social security number, mothers name, dogs name, kids name.

46. _____DO Not use your Social Security Number for drivers license number.

47. _____Make a note of your billing cycles for all bills and credit cards. If you do not get your statement on time, call the company to inquire why.

48. _____Be cautious of promotional scams. Thieves use these to get your information.

49. _____When ordering new checks have them delivered to the bank and pick them up. Never have them sent to your home.

50. _____Do Not leave your computer logged onto the internet when you are not using it.