TERRE HAUTE —
If you’ve been following the news over the past week, you may have noticed reports about Social Security number fraud, specifically that there is a 1 in 7 chance that someone else may have used your number. You may be asking, has my number been used by someone else or worse, is someone using it now? Hopefully not, but there are things you can do to help protect your number. Although the following information was originally published in this paper one year ago, it still holds true today.
It’s been said that the true spirit of the holiday season is in giving, not receiving. With this in mind, it’s likely that you will be spending a bit of time shopping for presents, your credit card flying out of your wallet or purse like wind-blown snow.
But as you shop in stores and online, be sure you’re not giving a surprise gift to an identity thief. Because the surprise will be on you — and it won’t be a good one.
Sometimes when you do business, you may be asked for your Social Security number. In many cases, those asking don’t really need it. If anyone asks for your Social Security number or other identifying information, ask them why they want it and whether they absolutely need it. They can refuse you service if you don’t provide it, but consider whether the service is worth the risk.
Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America. Someone who steals your Social Security number can use it to get other personal information about you. Identity thieves can use your number to apply for more credit in your name. Then, they use the credit cards but leave the bills for you. Falling victim to identity theft can ruin your credit rating and make things difficult for months or years to come.
Identity thieves can obtain your Social Security number, credit card numbers, and personal information in a number of ways, including:
• Stealing wallets, purses, and mail;
• Intercepting personal information you provide on an unsecured website, from business or personnel records at work, and personal information in your home;
• Rummaging through your trash, and public trash dumps, for personal information;
• Posing as someone who needs your information, such as a government agency, employer, bank, or landlord; and
• Buying personal information from store clerks, employees, or other individuals who have the information.
There are things you can do to protect your identity. Don’t give out your Social Security number to just anyone. Don’t carry your card in your wallet or purse; keep your Social Security card locked away in a safe place with your other important papers. Check your credit reports once a year, which you can do for free at www.annualcreditreport.com
I also recommend you review earnings posted to your record on the “Social Security Statement,” which is mailed automatically each year to workers age 25 and older, to see if there are any mistakes or earnings that don’t belong to you. You also can get a Statement at any time by requesting one online at www.socialsecurity.gov/mystatement/.
Want to learn more? Read our online fact sheet, Identity Theft And Your Social Security Number, at www.ssa.gov/pubs/10064.html.
If you think someone is using your number or identity, contact the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft, or call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338) (TTY 1-866-653-4261.)
Protect your information this holiday season, and you’ll enjoy a little more “peace on earth” in the year to come.
Business
Protect yourself from Social Security number fraud
- Business
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- RESTAURANT INSPECTIONS: May 21, 2012
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Crusty Crawford joined our lunch table with a pronouncement. “We’ve always assumed a close tie between output and employment,” he said. No one responded.
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Employer opinions sought on students
A joint venture between Ready Indiana and the Indiana Department of Education is seeking employer input that will impact how Hoosier high school students are equipped for the workforce.
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Carlisle prison marks 20th anniversary
2012 marks the 20th year of service for the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility, going on line with its first offenders Dec. 10, 1992.
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SOCIAL SECURITY: Why young workers should care about Social Security
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BUSINESS CENTS: Does your staff understand pricing?
Many companies feel as though their staff will follow instructions and implement price strategies as instructed.
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Valley Child Development Center receives grant
Valley Child Development Center has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Terre Haute Day Nursery Foundation through the Wabash Valley Community Foundation.
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Exec offers advice on becoming startup entrepreneur
Sam Clemens, chief product officer of Cambridge, Mass., startup company Insight Squared, gave Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology students insight on how to develop a startup business.
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Newsmakers: May 20, 2012
Leland Phipps, family practice physician at Paris Community Hospital/Family Medical Center, has been re-elected to membership with the American Academy of Family Physicians.
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Alumna to serve as VP for Rose-Hulman Ventures
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology alumna Elizabeth M. Hagerman is returning to her alma mater to serve as vice president for Rose-Hulman Ventures, the institute’s successful innovation space that has spawned careers and entrepreneurial enterprises throughout Indiana.
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Summer Sidewalk Sale set
Marshall Main Street’s Downtown Summer Sidewalk Sale is planned from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 9.
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Oil drops to lowest level in 6 months
The price of oil dropped to a six-month low Tuesday on concern that economic uncertainty in Europe could hurt demand for crude.
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Adidas initiative: ISU students develop business improvement process at facility
As Indiana State University students cruised Interstate 70 on Friday afternoons from Terre Haute to Indianapolis, they were looking forward to reaching their destination.
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BUSINESS BRIEFLY: May 13, 2012
An evening of networking and education for Clark, Crawford and Edgar counties regarding branding, marketing and tourism development opportunities is planned for 6:30 p.m. May 21 at the Heath Museum on the square in downtown Robinson.
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Wendy’s partners with Riley Hospital
For just $2, customers at participating Wendy’s restaurants in the Evansville/Terre Haute area can get free Jr. Frosty desserts through Dec. 31 while supporting Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health.
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Marshall Chamber to stage annual golf outing
The Marshall (Ill.) Chamber of Commerce invites golfers to its annual golf outing scheduled for June 8 at the Marshall Golf Course.
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ON THE MOVE: May 13, 2012
McKenze Rogers has joined Williams Randall as an account supervisor.
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Seminar teaches seniors to fight fraud
The Federal Trade Commission estimates that 25 million Americans are victims of consumer fraud each year.
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EYE ON THE PIE: Economic tools for consumers, workers, business owners, officials
My friend is a carpenter. He has two heavy boxes of tools and several other containers with stuff.
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SOCIAL SECURITY: Potential Medicare savings for mom
Given the current economic climate, buying a nice gift for Mother’s Day may be more difficult than in years past.
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‘Best Places to Work’ honored at banquet
Companies raising the bar with their workplace practices were recognized on May 3 at the Indiana Roof Ballroom by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.
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NEWSMAKERS: May 13, 2012
Susi Willis, CPA and partner in Larsson Woodyard & Henson, LLP, was recently presented with the Distinguished Service Award by the Indiana CPA Society at its annual CPA Celebration at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in Indianapolis.
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Indiana Rail Road wins Family-Friendly Award
The Indiana Rail Road Co. has won the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce’s “Family-Friendly Business Award” for 2012 based on the company’s highly successful employee wellness program.
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Government cuts summer gasoline price forecast
The government says gasoline will be cheaper this summer than previously expected thanks to a drop in the price of oil.
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Mall operator becomes biggest real estate company
The nation’s largest shopping mall operator is now also the country’s largest real estate company.
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Dealership to celebrate first year
The 500 Automotive Group in Clinton will celebrate its first year in business with an big birthday bash at the dealership on Friday and Saturday.
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EYE ON THE PIE: Compensation levels did not cause the recession
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Old National begins year with strong first quarter
Old National Bancorp reported 1st quarter net income of $21.7 million, or $0.23 per share.
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Enroll in disaster preparedness class
The University of Illinois Extension is offering a disaster preparedness course on May 23 for Clark, Crawford and Edgar county businesses called Ready Business.
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Newsmakers: May 6, 2012
• Dr. Haytham Mansour
• Terre Haute Regional Hospital
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