Every year in late January, the National Cyber Security Alliance hosts Data Privacy Day, an international effort to create awareness about the importance of privacy and protecting personal information.
“In most instances, identity theft can be prevented by taking basic measures to keep your personal information safe online. Take action this week to protect your privacy. It is yours. Let’s keep it that way,” said Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum.
The following tips should help you protect yourself, your family, and your personal information from identity theft:
* Visit www.annualcreditreport.com and request a free copy of your credit report every year. Check your report for accounts you don’t recognize or other errors, and correct problems right away.
* Opt out of pre-screened offers for credit cards and insurance. To reduce offers, call 1-888-567-8688 or register online at www.optoutprescreen.com.
* Take steps to secure your personal information, including shredding personal documents and erasing information on computers and mobile devices before getting rid of them.
If you find unexplained activity on your credit reports or if you believe you are the victim of identity theft, there are important steps to take to protect yourself. Contact the Attorney General’s consumer hotline at 1-877-877-9392, review the Attorney
General’s website – www.oregonconsumer.gov – for information on identity theft, or view the Data Privacy Day resources, available at https://staysafeonline.org/data-privacy-day/privacy-tips/.
