Press Release

How to avoid being a victim of identity theft
Tips from the California Bankers Association

SACRAMENTO - December 12, 2002 - The California Bankers Association (CBA) today released a brief list of tips for consumers interested in keeping their information safe from identity thieves.

"Given the hectic nature of this holiday shopping season, the CBA thought this was an excellent time to remind consumers of the many things they can do to keep identity thieves at bay and their information safe," said CBA president Gary S. Gertz. "Identity theft is still a low-tech crime, with most thieves stealing information from consumers' mailboxes or trash cans. With a little more awareness and some simple precautions, consumers can increase their peace of mind and enjoy this holiday season."

Don't carry your Social Security card or print your Social Security number or driver's license number on your checks. Pre-printing this valuable information on checks only makes it easier for thieves to use your checks without your knowledge.

Get a mailbox that locks. This will prevent thieves from stealing incoming or outgoing mail with important identifying information.

Carry only the credit card you intend to use and leave the others at home in a secure place. It is easier to cancel a single credit card than all of your cards if your purse or wallet is stolen.

Watch anyone who "swipes" your credit card. Devices known as "skimmers" are sometimes used by counterpersons to copy the identifying information off the magnetic strip of your credit card onto a fake credit card later.

Check your credit report at least twice a year. Doing so will keep you aware of how your credit is being accessed and by whom, making it easier for you to identify possible instances of identity theft.

To access a copy of CBA's "Preventing Identity Theft" brochure, go to CBA's Web site www.calbankers.com.