SCAMS & IDENTITY PROTECTION

Identity Theft

The FTC estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. In fact, you or someone you know may have experienced some form of identity theft. The crime takes many forms. Identity thieves may rent an apartment, obtain a credit card, or establish a telephone account in your name. You may not find out about the theft until you review your credit report or a credit card statement and notice charges you didn’t make—or until you’re contacted by a debt collector.
Nex-Tech values the privacy of its customers and wants to help protect you against all forms of identity theft. Because Nex-Tech requires some personal information to establish an account and to install the services, it takes a number of steps to ensure that this information is protected.
It is also important for you to take action against identity theft. Here are a few easy steps you can take to minimze your risk.

• Protect your Social Security number
  Don’t carry your Social Security card in your wallet or write your Social Security number on a check. If your state uses your Social Security number as your driver’s license number, ask to substitute another number. Do the same if your health insurance company uses your Social Security number as your policy number.
• Treat your trash and mail carefully
  To thwart an identity thief who may pick through your trash or recycling bins to capture your personal information, always shred your charge receipts, copies of credit applications, insurance forms, physician statements, checks and bank statements, expired charge cards that you’re discarding, and credit offers you get in the mail.
• Be on guard when using the Internet
  The Internet can give you access to information, entertainment, financial offers, and countless other services but at the same time, it can leave you vulnerable to online scammers, identity thieves and more.
• Select intricate passwords
  Combinations of letters, numbers, and special characters make the strongest passwords. When opening new accounts, you may find that many businesses still ask for your mother’s maiden name. Find out if you can use a password instead
• Verify a source before sharing information
  Don’t give out personal information on the phone, through the mail, or on the Internet unless you’ve initiated the contact and are sure you know who you’re dealing with.
• Safeguard your purse and wallet
  Protect your purse and wallet at all times. Don’t carry your Social Security number or card; leave it in a secure place. Carry only the identification information and the credit and debit cards that you’ll actually need when you go out.
• Store information in secure locations
  Keep your personal information in a secure place at home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or are having work done in your house. Ask about information security procedures in your workplace or at businesses, doctor’s offices or other institutions that collect your personally identifying information.