[LCN Newscast] Stolen Trash, Identity Theft?

[newscast@lists.lakeclaire.org]

The Lake Claire Neighbors V.P. of Safety received a report of trash
bags stolen from a "hurby-curby."  Why would anyone want to steal
trash?  The purpose of this incident is unknown, but identity theft
is a credible motive.  Below are some tips for how you can protect
yourself.

1)  Buy a shredder (they are not that expensive) and use it for
all personal papers including:  anything with your Social Security
number, bank/investment account number, credit card number, and all
unsolicited credit card applications received in the mail.

2)  Sometimes shredded paper is easier to piece together than you
think.  If so inclined, shred all papers you are throwing out, not
just ones with personal information, and mix up the shreds a bit
before putting into a trash bag.  Also consider not throwing out all
the shreds at the same time, and adding unpleasant garbage to the bag
(diapers, cat litter, and that 4-week-old box of Chinese take-out
do nicely).

3)  Keep tabs on your credit annually.  Talk to you bank or credit
card company about services for obtaining your credit report.

4)  Never give out your Social Security or other account numbers
over the phone to someone who claims he is from the bank, credit
card company, or the IRS.  This goes for faxes too.

5)  In general watch out for con artist tricks.  If it sounds too
good to be true, it probably is.  If someone is at your door trying
to get your personal or financial information for some get-rich-quick
scheme, make a mental note of his appearance, clothes, car, and
license plate, and when he leaves call 911.