Preventing ID Theft
Identity theft may be a growing problem, but there are a number of precautionary measures you can take to keep your identity safe.

	Attention Providian Cardholders

Ways to avoid identity theft:

• Do not carry your Social Security card; keep it in a safe place.
• Release your Social Security number only when necessary — for example, on tax forms and employment records, or for banking, stock, and property transactions.
• Do not give account information or personal information over the phone unless you initiated the call. Report unusual phone inquiries to the police.
• Destroy or shred all receipts, credit card offers, statements, and pay check stubs before throwing them away.
• Keep track of your mail. Missing statements should be reported to your account provider immediately.
• Send bill payments from a secure mailbox (one that can be opened only by U.S. Postal employees).
• Review your credit reports regularly to make sure they're accurate!
• Review your monthly statements to ensure all credit and debit activity is correct. Unauthorized charges should be dealt with immediately.

For additional useful information on protecting yourself against identity theft go to: www.consumer.gov/idtheft/

Protect your PIN:

• Never share it with anyone.
• Never keep it with your account numbers or in your purse or wallet.
• Memorize it if you can — it's the safest thing to do.

To report cases of identity theft or fraud:

1. Contact the three major credit bureaus immediately if you've been (or even suspect that you've been) victimized by identity theft or fraud. Some states also recommend that you file a report with local law enforcement.
2. You may also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission:
   Call: 1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338)
   Write: Identity Theft Clearing House, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20580
   Go online: www.consumer.gov/idtheft

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