They've Got Your Number

Every 79 seconds in this country, a thief assumes someone's identity and opens fraudulent accounts or makes unauthorized purchases. Identity thieves can steal your personal information through mail and e-mail solicitations and telemarketing, by stealing a purse or wallet, or by looking over your shoulder at an ATM.

Protect yourself from becoming their next victim by following these tips from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC):

• Never give your credit card or bank account number to unknown organizations.
• If a solicitation looks like a government document, pitch it. The federal government doesn't solicit.
• Save envelopes and keep records of fraudulent solicitations. They provide evidence for mail fraud cases.
• Don't pay anything for a "free" gift, even so-called shipping and handling charges.
• If an offer asks for money in advance to claim a prize or enter a contest, don't do it.
• Check out a suspicious organization with your state Attorney General's office or Better Business Bureau before you send money for any product or service.

If you think you've been scammed, contact the FTC at 877/382-4357 or visit www.consumer.gov/idtheft/. You can download the document ID Theft: When Bad Things Happen to Your Good Name. You also can call the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Mail Fraud Complaint Center at 800/372-8347.

Know the Score

Your "FICO Score," based on your personal credit information, helps a lender determine how likely you are to repay a loan and make credit payments on time. FICO scores range from 300 to 850—the higher your score, the better "risk" you are to potential lenders. Even if your score qualifies you to obtain a loan, it still affects what interest rate you'll pay. A lower score often means a higher rate.

You can find out your FICO score by ordering a credit report from one of the three major credit reporting bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) or at www.myfico.com. Want to "up" your score? Limit your debt and amount of available credit and pay on time!

Take Your Auto Policy Off Cruise Control

Many of us never look closely at our car insurance policies once we get them. If you haven't reviewed your policy recently, it might be wise to consider the following:

• Make sure you have adequate bodily injury (BI) liability and property damage (PD) coverage. Most states have minimum amounts, but consumer advocates recommend you have 100/300/100 (which means $100,000 of BI coverage per person/$300,000 of BI coverage per occurrence/$100,000 of PD coverage).
• No matter how old your vehicle is, you should carry collision coverage and comprehensive coverage. A higher deductible (above $250) will lower your annual insurance premium.
• Consider medical payments coverage or personal injury protection (PIP) if you do not have adequate health or disability income insurance. Some states require that you get PIP.
• A recent survey noted that one out of every nine vehicles driven in the United States is not insured. Be sure to carry uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage equal to your BI/PD limits.
• If you drive in an area that has gravel roads or where the local jurisdiction uses salt/cinders during the winter, then glass breakage coverage could be useful.
• For additional nominal premiums, all auto insurance policies can include rental car and towing coverage as well.

Spend time with your insurance representative to review your auto insurance policy and evaluate all your coverage options.

NEA Member Benefits offers a variety of money-saving products, including credit cards, auto and home insurance, and savings and loan programs. Visit www.neamb.com or call toll free 800/637-4636 for more information.