Editor's note: A recent SBRN meeting discussed the rise in identity theft
and ways to reduce your risk, including the following tips:

• Never provide personal information or passwords in response to an unsolicited request, either by Email, phone or by mail. If the request seems legitimate, initiate contact by calling the number on your account statements or logging onto the company's website from a typed-in address or a previously saved link. Don't be thrown by the "urgency" of the message.
• Never use links provided in suspicious Emails. They could direct you to a very realistic, but fraudulent website or contain a virus, thereby contaminating your computer.
• Review account statements often to ensure you're being correctly charged. If you notice a discrepancy, notify your financial institution immediately. Also alert the three major credit bureaus to place fraud alerts on your accounts.
  • Equifax, 1-800-525-6285
  • Experian, 1-888-397-3742
  • TransUnion, 1-800-680-7289
• To report suspicious activity (Emails or calls), notify the Federal Trade Commission at www.consumer.gov/idtheft or by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT. You can also inform the Internet Crime Complaint Center (a combined effort between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center)at www.ifccfbi.gov. This protects future consumers from being scammed, as well.