Seminar offers tips to prevent identity theft

Wednesday, November 15th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

The 1990's spawned a new type of crook that will use every opportunity to steal a person's identity. Snatching some piece of personal information, and using it to commit fraud has become big business.

Several local law enforcement, and social agencies held a seminar Tuesday. They offered a few tips to prevent bad things from happening to your good name.

1. Have your social security check directly deposited into the bank.

2. Pick up your newly ordered checks at the bank.

3. Reminder to never give your social security number to anyone over the phone.

"It's very difficult to say no,â€ said Oklahoma Attorney General's Office representative Leslie Selig. â€œWe're taught to be polite and nice. But ask them to send you information. We all need to be informed to make good decisions," she explained.

You should ask these questions before giving money to a charity. That way youâ€™ll know that youâ€™re helping the needy, and not the greedy. Ask what percentage of your donation goes to the charity. Find out if your gift is tax deductible, and ask whether your money will stay in the local area.