Beware: Scam Artists Are Thriving
Beware: Identify thieves and other scam artists are not filing for unemployment benefits. Their business is up in a down economy. That makes it especially important to take steps to protect yourself. Here are five reminders:
- 1. Keep your personal information secure. Shred documents with sensitive data such as your Social Security number or account numbers before discarding them. We will shred your stuff for free! Just bring it in in sealed containers and we’ll take care of it.
- Limit disclosure of personal information to those who have a legitimate need, for example, your personnel department or the credit union.
- Use caution when you are online. When you are asked to provide sensitive information such as a credit card number, be sure the Web site name is preceded by “https:” and that a lock icon appears in your browser window.
- Review your credit report. By law, you’re entitled to free reports from each of the three major credit agencies annually. Check out the links in our Consumer Resources section for more information.
- Remember the tried, but true, advice: If an offer is too good to be true, it probably is.
