Since the start of the pandemic, there has been an increase in the number of cases of identity theft. As an Ohio State employee, you have a benefit through The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that can assist if your identity is stolen. The EAP is concerned about the occurrence of identity theft and wants to help you avoid the possibility of having your identity stolen. Here are some facts about identity theft and some tips, tools, and resources to prevent it from happening to you.

The Federal Trade Commission estimates that about 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. In fact, you probably know someone who has experienced some form of identity theft. Identity theft happens when someone uses your personal information, such as your name, Social Security number, or credit card number without your consent to commit fraud or other crimes.

Identity theft can include fraud such as renting an apartment, obtaining a credit card, or setting up a telephone account in your name. You may not know about the theft until you are contacted by a debt collector or review your credit report.

Identity theft harms its victims in many ways including emotionally, financially, and by simply robbing one of the time it takes to prove one’s original identity. The average toll to identity theft victims is 60 hours and $1000 to repair and recover their identity and records. Did you know that according to the Federal Trade Commission the highest percentage of identity theft victims are between 20 and 29 years old?

You can prevent and/or minimize the occurrence of identity theft by

• not carrying your social security card in your wallet;
• ordering your credit report yearly- You get one free credit report every year from each credit reporting company (call for your Annual Credit Report at 1-877-322-8228); 
• changing your passwords and PIN numbers regularly and disposing safely of any paper that records them
• shredding any pre-approved credit cards you may receive
• not providing personal information over the phone unless it is absolutely necessary.

You can find other tips by going to https://www.consumer.gov/ or by visiting the EAP website at www.osuhealthplan.com\eap

If you have the misfortune of having your identity stolen, contact the EAP as we offer a complimentary phone consultation with a Fraud Resolution Specialist to help to restore your identity. Also, the EAP offers a free identity theft emergency response kit and monitoring on the EAP website.

For more information please go to www.osuhealthplan.com\eap or call 800-678-6265 or to make an online request click here

Source for this article: Impact Solutions website

 

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