Campus Safety Guidelines Programs & Services   Cal-B-SAFE Information Line Campus Safety Information UCPD Recommended Campus Safety Guidelines

There are things that each of us can do to reduce our vulnerability to crime. The following guideline sections will get you started. If you have a specific situation that you would like addressed you can reach a law enforcement professional by emailing us.

Many of the following topics are available as flyers for download in our Forms & Publications area.

Campus Safety Topics   Night Time Personal Safety General Theft Prevention University and Personal Property Suspicious Persons and Behaviors Vehicle Safety Bicycle Safety   Special Event Safety (concerts, sporting events) Personal Information Safety Automatic Teller Machine Safety Information on Defensive Sprays (Mace and Pepper Spray) Information on IDENTITY THEFT

Night Time Personal Safety
Although we encourage you to utilize the Night Safety Shuttle and/or Night Escort Service, there will be times when you cannot. In those cases follow these guidelines:

• Travel with a friend or in a group
• Be alert and aware of your surroundings
• Avoid dark, vacant or deserted areas; use well-lit, well travelled routes.
• Dress in clothes and shoes which will not hamper movement

Night Safety (114 Kb, PDF)

If You Sense You Are In Trouble:

• Move away from the potential threat if possible.
• Join any group of people nearby; cross the street and increase your pace.
• If a threatening situation is imminent, and people are close by to help, yell, scream or make a commotion in any way you can to get their attention.
• Go to an open business.
• Call 911 from a safe location

Night Walking Routes
Certain routes on the central campus have been identified as the most frequented and well-lit paths and are the best ones to use at night. Students and staff are strongly encouraged to use them. These walking routes are indicated in the Night Safety map.

Theft Prevention Theft Prevention (220Kb, PDF)
A secure environment is made possible through community involvement in crime prevention. The purpose of community crime prevention is simple: to help you recognize your own vulnerability to crime, and reduce your risk through preventive action and cooperation with the police.

Theft is the most common crime on the Berkeley campus. Most thefts occur during the daylight hours, and in 80% of reported thefts and burglaries, thieves enter the structure without forced entry. In your residence, living group, or office, exchange information about your schedules and watch your neighbors' houses, rooms, and work areas. Report suspicious activities to one another and to the police.

Residence Halls
Overall a UCPD sergeant supervises security in UC residence halls. The residence halls are locked 24 hours a day, and entry is controlled by a mechanical key system. In addition, Community Service Officers patrol the residence halls during the evening hours, and each of the high rise buildings have a security monitor. Resident Assistants provide safety programs for students, especially at the beginning of the year, and the Residential Life Coordinator at each unit is linked with an officer at the UCPD for additional
coordination and information exchange. More information about security measures in the residence halls is available in the Residential and Family Living publication, "The Guide to Student Living in the Residence Halls."

Residential Theft Prevention Tips
UCPD encourages you to take responsibility for protecting your property. Here are a few tips for discouraging would-be thieves in your residence halls, houses, or apartments.

• Keep outside doors locked.
• Ask strangers to wait in common areas while their friends are summoned.
• Lock your room door and windows when you leave, even if only for a minute, and take your keys with you.
• Keep small valuable items out of sight, in a closed drawer, or another safe place.
• Politely offer assistance to persons in your building or residence you do not recognize. If they have legitimate business, they will appreciate your help. If they do not, ask them to leave.
• Keep your room locked when you are out during move-in. Do not leave your car unlocked when loading or unloading.
• Do not leave coats, books, or other valuable items in common areas. Keep them in your room.

If you hear or see something suspicious, call the police immediately. Dial 911 from any landline phone, on or off campus. From a cell phone on campus, dial (510) 642-3333.

Apartment Living
In the City of Berkeley, rental units must have dead bolt locks on all doors leading to the outside. Make sure all hallways, entrances, garages, and grounds are well lit. Leave spare keys with friends-not under the doormat, in mailboxes, or in common sense hiding places.

Security Surveys
Is your residence or office relatively safe from burglary and break-in? Have an officer from Crime Prevention identify areas in your home or office that may need security improvement. They can show you how to safeguard your apartment or office against unlawful entry and theft. For more information, or to arrange for a security survey, call (510) 642-0469. If you are off campus, call the City of Berkeley Police at (510) 644-6695, or consult the other services/contact information section, on page 61 of Safety Counts, for your local law enforcement agency.

City of Berkeley Police Department: Community Services Bureau
The City of Berkeley Police Department (BPD) through its Community Services Bureau works toward serving the concerns of Berkeley residents and merchants by identifying needs and solving problems using the principles of Community Involved Policing. The following are just some of the services that the Community Services Bureau provides:

• Neighborhood Watch
• Business Watch
• Partnership Against Crime (PAC) programs
• Street Survival Workshops (with the Berkeley Safe Neighborhood Committee)
• Crime Prevention - Personal Safety Presentations
• Home/Business Security Surveys (no cost security advice)
• "McGruff" (the Crime Watch Dog)
• Crime Prevention Library (video tapes, brochures)
• Vacation Notification Program
• Crime Statistics

For more information on these and other services offered by the City of Berkeley Police Department, Community Services Bureau contact them at (510) 644-6696.

University and Personal Property
Over $100,000 worth of University property and equipment is stolen annually from the Berkeley campus. Wallet, purse, and backpack theft make up a large percentage of personal property theft. If you work in an office, you can reduce the opportunity for theft by taking a few simple precautions:

• Do not leave your wallet/purse in unlocked desks, cabinets, or in the open
• Lock up your desk when you leave
• Lock your door when you leave, even if you are gone for a short time
• Create an office or building watch program within your building; work with other occupants to monitor offices and property
• Maintain strict key control to all offices in your building as required by the Campus Access Control Policy

Call the Crime Prevention Unit of UCPD at (510) 642-0469 if you would like suggestions on how to start an office or building watch program. If you would like a copy of the Campus Access Control Policy, visit this link.

Property Lock-Down
Although no office or home is completely safe from theft, you can make it more difficult for a thief to steal your equipment or property, and improve the chances of recovering stolen property, by following the suggestions below:

• Keep an updated inventory of all office, lab, and home equipment
• Have all equipment locked down with an approved lock-down device
• Identify all University equipment by engraving on the top or front side
• Identify your personal property by engraving your California Driver's License, do not use your social security number. If you live out of state, you can use that number followed by the abbreviation for the state of issue.

To borrow an engraver for university equipment, receive a copy of the approved lock-down vendor list for the campus, or to learn more about the UCB-ID program which provides zero-deductible insurance for University property, please contact Crime Prevention at (510) 643-9375.

If you would like to check out an engraver for use on your personal property, contact the UCPD - Records Division at (510) 642-6760.

Suspicious Persons/Behaviors
If you see a suspicious person in your building, ask if you can help them. If the person has legitimate business in the building, he or she will appreciate your assistance. If not, ask the person to leave the building, but only if you feel comfortable doing so. If the person refuses to leave, call the police. Be prepared to describe the person when you call police.

The following are examples of behaviors that could be considered suspicious:

• A person or persons you, or the other residents/employees, do not recognize going from room to room or office to office
• A person or persons standing in a hallway for a long period of time
• A person or persons waiting outside of the building near the time that the building will be closing

University and Personal Property
Thieves target office buildings, libraries, restaurants, residence halls and other places wherever people gather. Over $100,000 worth of University property and equipment is stolen annually from the Berkeley campus. Wallet, purse, and backpack theft make up a large percentage of personal property theft. If you work in an office, you can reduce the opportunity for theft by taking a few simple precautions:

• Do not leave your wallet/purse in unlocked desks, cabinets, or in the open.
• Lock up your desk when you leave.
• Lock your door when you leave, even if you are gone for a short time.

Create an office or building watch program within your building, working with other residents to watch each others' offices and property. If you would like suggestions on how to start a program like this, call the Crime Prevention Unit of UCPD at 642-3722.

Maintain strict key control to all offices in your building.

Suspicious Persons/Behaviors
As a campus community, each of us must take responsiblity for making the campus a safer environment. One of the ways that you can assist the police in their efforts is reporting suspicious persons and behaviors. If you see a suspicious person in your building, ask if you can help them. If the person has business in the building, he or she will appreciate your assistance. If not, ask the person to leave the building, but only if you feel comfortable. If the person refuses to do so, call the police.
The following are examples of behaviors that could be considered suspicious:

• Someone you or the other residents/employees don't recognize going from room to room or office to office.
• Someone standing in a hallway for a long period of time.
• Someone waiting outside of the building near the time that the building will be closing.

When you call the police be prepared to describe the person, and stay on the phone until the dispatcher tells you it is clear to hang up.

Vehicle Safety Vehicle Safety (196Kb, PDF)
General Tips

• Park in well-lit, heavily populated areas. Trust your instincts, if something doesn't feel right, find another place to park.
• Avoid parking next to occupied vehicles.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Take note of emergency/pay phones near where you have parked in case you need to use them.
• Do not leave valuable items visible in your car.
• Always roll up all windows and lock all doors before leaving your vehicle.

Before Entering Your Vehicle

• Walk with others to your vehicle whenever possible.
• If someone looks suspicious, leave the area immediately, do not try to go to your vehicle. Contact UCPD 642-6760
• Carry vehicle key on separate ring from house keys
• Have your keys in hand when you approach your vehicle.
• Look around and underneath your vehicle before approaching.
• Check the back seat of your vehicle before entering.
• Upon entering your vehicle immediately lock all doors.
• Make a copy of your registration and keep it on your person. Then remove all forms of identification from your vehicle. Anyone with permission to drive your vehicle should also have a copy on their person to furnish to police if necessary.

While Driving

• If you are involved in a minor collision in an isolated area, you may want to drive to a well lit and populated area before stopping to assess your damage.
• Never pick up hitchhikers or troubled motorists. If you want to help a troubled motorist, drive to the nearest phone and call police.
• While driving, if you notice that you are being followed, do not go home. Drive to the nearest police station, open store, or service station for help. If you are fearful of exiting your vehicle, blow your horn to draw attention to yourself.
• Report all attempted vehicle thefts to the University Police (if on campus) at 642-6760 or your local police department. This information will assist police in catching the suspects before they make another attempt.

If You Are Approached For Your Vehicle (Carjacking)

While this is a highly personal decision, we strongly recommend that you give up your keys immediately, and without protest. Avoid getting into the vehicle with the suspects if at all possible. If you do have to surrender your vehicle note the following:

• The race, sex, approximate height, and clothing of the suspect(s.)
• The direction that the suspects went.
• If they had weapons, and if so, what type.

Report this information immediately to police by calling 911.

 

Bicycle Safety

Bicycle theft has become a tremendous problem on college campuses, and the Berkeley campus is no exception. Bicycles and bicycle parts, including seats and "quick release" wheels, are in big demand, and thieves are well-equipped and well-organized.

Some campus buildings allow bicycles to be stored in individual offices or designated bike storage rooms. The safest place to store a bicycle is indoors, in a locked room. However, indoor bike parking is never allowed in corridors, stairwells, exit pathways, or outside on trees, metal poles or anywhere else where it may impede emergency exit from a building. This applies even if there is no signage specifically prohibiting bicycle parking. You may want to consider using an inexpensive and/or used bike to ride to campus to make it less attractive to thieves.

Make It Hard To Steal
We have found that in the vast majority of bicycle thefts, bicycles were either unlocked, improperly locked, or locked with inadequate locking devices, such as lightweight cables or chains, or low-quality U-lock devices.

You should always carry a secure lock whenever you plan to leave your bicycle unattended. The "U"- shaped locks have proven to be the most effective, but like all locks or chains, they can be defeated. Use a high-end "U"- shaped lock to reduce the chances of the lock being defeated. You should also exercise care in where and how you lock your bicycle.

You should always lock your bicycle through the frame and both wheels to a bicycle parking rack, preferably a rack with a thicker frame. Lock all free parts of the bicycle as well or take them with you. If you lock only the front wheel you may return to find only the front wheel. Leave your bicycle in a visible, well-lighted area. Avoid leaving your bicycle locked outside overnight.

Bikers Beware
Thieves are often creative in their approach-if they are unable to steal the bike, they may try to take any valuable parts. If left unattended for long periods (overnight), secured bicycles may get their unsecured parts stolen. The thief will secure his/her older bike to a more expensive bike that is parked in a rack or other area. The thief will wait until later in the evening when the area is clear and the victim has grown tired of waiting and has exhausted all ideas on how to locate the owner of the other bike or remove the lock. When the victim leaves in exasperation, the thief will then take all that is unsecured, tires, pedals, lights, speedometer, etc. Missing parts can average between $300-$500 or more depending on type of bike and parts taken.

If this should happen to you: Remove all parts possible that may be subject to theft before leaving the area for the evening or an extended period of time. Notify UCPD or P&T to ascertain whether assistance is available to you. UCPD or P&T can remove the lock for you if you can provide proof of purchase and/or bicycle registration in your name.

Licensing and Engraving
The University requires you to license your bicycle (CVC 21113). Licensing discourages theft and aids in identification. In addition all major components should be engraved with a driver's license number or state-issued identification number. This information should be recorded and saved along with purchase receipts, manufacturer's information, and a photograph of the bicycle. Do not use Social Security numbers for engraving, as they are very difficult for the police to research.

Reporting Theft
If your bicycle is stolen on campus, you should report the theft immediately to the UC Police Department. Providing the police with descriptive information, such as the serial number and license number, increases the chance of recovery. To report the theft of a bicycle, contact UCPD at (510) 642-6760.

For more information on locking a bike, campus bike riding regulations, and a link to resources at Parking and Transportation, visit UCPD's "What to Know About Bike's On Campus" page .

Special Event Safety

Before The Event
Before going to a large arena event, be sure to designate a meeting area in case your group becomes separated. This is particularly important if you have small children with you.

When parking your vehicle be sure to do the following:

• Lock the car.
• Do not leave valuables in the car, especially where they can be observed from a window.
• Park in a safe place.
• Make a note of where your vehicle is parked.

During The Event
In large crowd situations be aware of the potential for pick pockets. Thefts can occur near bathrooms or in lines. Pick pocketing most often feels like a person just bumped against you. To reduce your vulnerability to pick pocketing, do the following:

• Keep wallets in front pockets rather than the back pocket.
• Place a large rubberband around wallet if left in a rear pocket. This makes your wallet harder to move and allows you to feel if it is being lifted.
• If wearing a coat, keep the wallet in an inside pocket.
• Leave extra credit cards at home.
• Keep purses closed and held close to the body.
• Do not leave personal possessions unattended.

If you discover any personal property missing during the course of an event, report it to police or event security immediately. If you find someone else's wallet, keys, or other personal property, turn them in immediately to a police officer or event staff and tell them where you found the item.

After a Cal Event
Try to report losses before you leave the event by reporting it to an officer at the University Police Department. If you do not discover the loss until you get home, call the University Police at 642-6760 to report thefts or lost items. If you misplace an item call the Lost and Found at 642-4936, Monday - Friday, from 10 AM - 4 PM to see if your item was turned in.

For Away Sporting Events
If you arrive the day before, consider not wearing school/team colors or clothes. This marks you as a visitor and may make you a target of crime. Do not leave signs that indicate where your are from in your car when you leave for the game. Criminals will know you will be gone for the duration of the game and may suspect that visiting cars might have valuables in the trunk. Try to get a map of the area before you go to an away game so that you will be more familiar with the area and won't need to ask for directions.

Personal Information Security
Your personal information can be used by criminals to gain services, create fraudulent credit accounts, and to obtain false identification. The following are items that you should never give out to strangers:

• Your credit card number or expiration date, unless you know the company is reputable.
• Your checking account number or ATM personal identification number.
• Your telephone calling card number.
• Your social security number. Only give this out if it is legally required.
• Your Driver's License number.
• Health information, such as your insurance, medical and mental history, and doctor.
• Information about your home security system, such as whether you have one or not, or your code.
• Information about those who live with you and whether you live alone.
• Your age or age category.
• Financial information, such as your annual income, mortgage, or financial institution.

In addition, you should keep track of whenever you do provide this information and to whom it was given.

Automatic Teller Machine Safety
To increase your level of safety at automatic teller machines, follow these basic guidelines:

• Try to use the ATM during daylight hours. If you have to get cash at night, go with someone else and only use machines that are visible from a major street and well lit.
• Look for suspicious people or activity.
• If you notice anything out of the ordinary, even if you have started a transaction, cancel your transaction and leave.
• When entering your secret code, use your body as a shield.
• Always take your transaction receipts and statements.
• Do not count or display money at the ATM.
• Do not accept offers of help from anyone you don't know. If you have problems or questions contact your bank.
• When you use a drive-up ATM make sure your passenger windows are closed and all doors are locked.
• Do not give your secret code to anyone, including anyone posing as a police investigator or bank official.

 

Defensive Sprays

Defensive Sprays - Mace & Pepper Spray (96Kb, PDF)
Before purchasing your canister of Mace or Pepper Spray (hereafter referred to as tear gas), you should be aware of the laws concerning its use as well as other issues related to the physical effects of tear gas on human beings.

Physical Effects - Mace
Mace has six physiological effects that may be experienced:

• Central Nervous System: headache, dizziness, and extreme general discomfort.
• Chest: tight feeling in upper respiratory system, coughing.
• Eyes: tearing and burning.
• Mouth: accelerated secretion of saliva.
• Nose: discharge, burning, irritation.
• Skin: burning and stinging feeling on surface nerve endings on the face.

Physical Effects - Pepper Spray
Pepper Spray has four physiological effects that may be experienced:

• Eyes: tearing, involuntary closing or complete closing due to dilation of the eye capillaries. Eyes will appear red/bloodshot for 30 to 60 minutes. People wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses will be equally affected.
• Respiratory System: immediate inflammation, including swelling of the throat lining which can restrict the airway size. Respiratory functions return to normal within 10 to 45 minutes.
• The airway will be open enough to allow for sufficient oxygen flow for survival.
• Due to the reduced airway flow, the person will probably not receive enough oxygen to continue fighting or other sustained physical exertion.
• Temporary paralysis of the larynx.
• Uncontrollable coughing, retching, and gasping for air with a gagging sensation in the throat.
• Effect on the skin: inflammation of the exposed skin with a burning sensation.
• Effects on muscle coordination: Pepper Spray exposure may cause a person to lose balance due to the effect of Pepper Spray on vision.

Because Pepper Spray causes a number of physiological effects on a person-even those with elevated pain tolerance due to prior use of alcohol and/or other drugs-it is different than Mace, which relies mainly on pain compliance. Individuals, such as the mentally disturbed or those under the influence of intoxicants, who have a high tolerance to pain, are still subject to the inflammatory effects of Pepper Spray. It is important to understand that teargas does not paralyze. Your attacker may still be able to walk, run, or try to grab you.

What to Do IMMEDIATELY After Using Your Spray

• Get out of the area! Run in the opposite direction of your attacker if possible.
• When you are safe, tell your local law enforcement agency (if on campus call UCPD at 642-6760) about the attack.

This is very important because it may help police apprehend the attacker, and prevent attacks on others.

Legislative Issues
The following persons may not purchase/carry/use tear gas products:

• Persons convicted of a felony or any crime involving an assault under the laws of the United States, of the State of California, or any other state, government, or country. Any person convicted of misuse of tear gas.
• Persons addicted to any narcotic drug.
• Persons under the age of 18 (persons 16 or older may carry tear gas with the written consent of their parent or guardian).

Misuse of Tear Gas
Use of tear gas or a tear gas weapon, EXCEPT in self-defense, can be a felony. (California Penal Code Section 12403.7 (a) (8)) The local District Attorney has the discretion to file misdemeanor or felony charges. Use of tear gas against a peace officer engaged in official duties is a felony.

The following are possible sanctions for misuse:

• Up to three years in state prison; or
• Up to one year in county jail; or
• Fine up to $1, 000; or
• Both fine and imprisonment.

Carrying Tear Gas Aboard An Airplane
Tear gas may not be carried on a plane, even for self-defense purposes. In addition to commercial aircraft, this applies to:

• Privately owned and operated aircraft
• To persons who attempt to ship tear gas in luggage
• To the area from the security gate to the air craft gate

Carrying Tear Gas aboard an airplane is a federal offense. The following are possible sanctions for this violation:

• A civil penalty of up to $10,000
• An additional criminal fine of up to $25,000

In addition to the civil penalty and criminal fine, you could also be sent to federal prison for up to five years.

First Aid and Decontamination Procedures
If you are accidentally sprayed, or if someone else is sprayed accidentally, the following are some first aid procedures that may help:

• Avoid panic.
• Do not rub the face. This will aggravate the pain already being experienced.
• The best immediate treatment is to expose the person to fresh air, a breeze if possible. A fan can also be used.
• Flush the affected area with cool water either from the tap or a garden hose.
• Clean the affected area with non-oil or cold cream based soap. Do not use salves or greases on exposed area because it will trap tear gas particles or OC resin onto the skin.
• If eyes are exposed, flush copiously with cool, fresh water for 15 minutes.
• If you wear contact lenses, remove them carefully once hands are thoroughly clean.
• An ophthalmic examination should be performed by a physician if irritation or pain persists after 15 minutes of flushing with water.
• Clothing which is contaminated with tear gas should be removed immediately and, if indoors, placed in a sealed plastic bag or container
• Persons assisting the subject should wear rubber gloves to avoid residual contamination.
• If any irritation or pain persists after decontamination procedures, a physician should examine the exposed area.

Identity Theft Identity Theft (216 Kb, PDF)
The crime of identity theft is on the rise. By using a variety of methods, criminals steal credit card numbers, driver's license numbers, Social Security numbers, ATM cards, telephone calling cards and other key pieces of individuals' identities. They use this information to impersonate their victims, spending as much money as they can in as short a time as possible before moving on to someone else's name and account information.

Take these preventive steps to minimize your losses in case of identity theft:

Reduce access to your personal data: To minimize the amount of information a thief can steal, do not carry extra credit cards, your Social Security card, birth certificate or passport in your wallet or purse, except when needed.

Reduce the amount of personal information that is "out there." Consider the following: remove your name from the marketing lists of the three credit reporting bureaus-Equifax, Experian (formerly TRW) and Trans Union. This will limit the number of pre-approved credit offers that you receive. Sign up for the Direct Marketing Association's (www.the-dma.org) Mail Preference Service and the Telephone Preference Service. Have your name and address removed from the phone book and reverse directories.

When you order new checks, do not have them sent to your home's mailbox. Pick them up at the bank instead. When you pay bills, do not leave the envelopes containing your checks at your mailbox for the postal carrier to pick up. It is best to mail bills and other sensitive items at the post office rather than neighborhood drop boxes.

Passwords and PINS: When creating passwords and PINs (personal identification numbers), do not use the last four digits of your Social Security number, your birthdate, middle name, pet's name, consecutive numbers or anything else that could easily be discovered by thieves. Ask your financial institutions to add extra security protection to your account. Most will allow you to use an additional code (a number or word) when accessing your account. Do not use your mother's maiden name, as that is all too easily obtained by identity thieves. Memorize all your passwords. Don't record them on anything in your wallet or purse.

Social Security numbers: Protect your Social Security number (SSN). Release it only when absolutely necessary (like tax forms, employment records, most banking, stock and property transactions). The SSN is the key to your credit and banking accounts and is the prime target of criminals. If a business requests your SSN, ask if it has an alternative number that can be used instead. If the SSN is requested by a government agency, look for the Privacy Act notice. This will tell you if your SSN is required, what will be done with it, and what happens if you refuse to provide it. Do not have your SSN printed on your checks. Order your Social Security Statement once a year to check for fraud.

Responsible information handling: Carefully review your credit card statements and phone bills, including cellular phone bills, for unauthorized use. Do not toss pre-approved credit offers in your trash or recycling bin without first tearing them into small pieces or shredding them. Do the same with other sensitive information like credit card receipts, phone bills and so on. Discourage your bank from using the last four digits of the SSN as the PIN number they assign to customers. When you fill out loan or credit applications, find out how the company disposes of them. Store your canceled checks in a safe place. Never permit your credit card number to be written onto your checks. It's a violation of California law (California Civil Code 1725) and puts you at risk for fraud.

If You Become A Victim
If you lose your wallet, or believe that your identity has been otherwise compromised, follow these steps.

Report the crime to the police immediately. Give them as much documented evidence as possible. Get a copy of your police report. Credit card companies, your bank, and the insurance company may require you to show the report in order to verify the crime. Immediately call all your credit card issuers. Get replacement cards with new account numbers.

Call the fraud units of the three credit reporting companies-Experian (formerly TRW), Equifax and Trans Union. Report the theft of your credit cards or numbers (see below for contact information). Ask that your accounts be flagged. Also, add a victim's statement to your report. Be sure to ask how long the fraud alert is posted on your account, and how you can extend it if necessary. Notify your bank(s) of the theft. Cancel your checking and savings accounts and obtain new account numbers.

Ask the bank to issue you a secret password that must be used in every transaction. Put stop payments on any outstanding checks that you are unsure of.

If you use an ATM card for banking services, get a new card, account number and password. Do not use your old password. When creating a password, avoid such commonly used numbers as the last four digits of your Social Security number and your birthdate.

If you have had checks stolen or bank accounts set up fraudulently, report it to TeleCheck, National Processing Company (NPC) or Equifax.

Call your telephone, electrical, gas and water utilities. Alert them to the possibility that someone may attempt to open new service using your identification. Also contact your long distance company. You may need to cancel your long distance calling card.

You may want to change your driver's license number if someone has been using yours as identification on bad checks. When requesting a new number from the Department of Motor Vehicles, you might be asked to prove that you have been financially damaged by the theft of your driver's license.

The nearest office of the Consumer Credit Counseling Service might be able to give you advice on removing fraudulent claims from your credit report. Call (800) 388-2227.

Monitor your credit reports regularly even after your file appears to be clean. Sometimes thieves go dormant for a while, then reappear.

In dealing with the authorities and financial institutions, keep a log of all conversations, including dates and names. Send correspondence by certified mail. Keep copies of all letters and documents. Provide your police report number to expedite reporting the crime.

Consider seeking legal counsel, especially if you have difficulty clearing up your credit history or your case is complex and involves a lot of money.

Resources
Credit reporting bureaus
Equifax (800) 525-6285
Experian (888) 397-3742
Trans Union (800) 680-7289

Remember that you are entitled to a free credit report if you are a victim of identity theft, if you have been denied credit in the past 60 days, if you receive welfare benefits, or if you are unemployed.

Social Security Administration
If your SSN has been used fraudulently for employment purposes, report the problem to the Social Security Administration at (800) 269-0271. You may order your Earnings and Benefits Statement by calling (800) 772-1213. Unfortunately, the SSA has no procedures in place to deal with non-employment types of SSN fraud, such as credit application fraud. For extreme cases of identity theft, they may be willing to change your SSN.