Identity Theft

     How can someone steal your identity? Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your name, Social Security number, credit card number or other identifying information, without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes.

     Identity theft is a serious crime. People whose identities have been stolen can spend months or years - and their hard-earned money - cleaning up the mess thieves have made of their good name and credit record. In the meantime, victims may lose job opportunities, be refused loans, education, housing or cars, or even get arrested for crimes they didn't commit.

-How It Occurs-

     Step 1:  Identity thieves use a variety of tactics to obtain your personal information.  They might hack the computer of a business, rummage through your trash, steal your mail or try to scam you into giving your information over the telephone.

     Step 2:  Posing as you, thieves will go on spending sprees using your account numbers, open new credit card accounts using your information, take out loans, establish cell phone accounts, or even use your name when getting arrested.

     Step 3:  Thieves will also use their skills to prevent you from discovering what is going on.  Rerouting your mail so that bills and account warnings sent from the banks do not reach you, or even file for bankruptcy.

     Step 4:  Eventually the victims will run into massive problems with their credit, will discover what has happened, and will be forced to spend a lot of time and effort cleaning up the mess left behind by an Identity Thief.

-How Do I Protect Myself-

• Place passwords on all accounts.  Don't use obvious ones, like your date of birth.
• Secure important documents in your home.
• Never give your personal information over the phone, internet, or through the mail unless you initiated the contact.
• Bring in your mail quickly after the postman delivers it so that thieves can not get a hold of it.
• Shred all bills before putting them in the trash.
• Do not use your Social Security Number for unnecessary reasons.  Some companies may require your SS# on applications, if they do, ask them if you can skip that line.
• Protect your computer.  Use current, well respected and properly installed anti-virus and firewall software.
• Watch your bills.  Missing statements, unexplained withdrawals, or charges for items you never purchased should all be a red flag.

     The best way to protect yourself is to be aware.  A recent amendment to the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act requires each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months.  In response, the three major credit companies have created a single contact number.  It is a great idea to check your credit report every year.

To order:

Free Credit Report Site:  Free Credit Reports

Phone Number:  1-877-322-8228

-What If My Identity Was Stolen-

• Place a fraud alert on your credit reports.
• Close all accounts you believe have been compromised.
• File a police report, and obtain a copy to submit to creditors.
• File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.

     The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is an excellent resource for information on identity theft, and for help if you become a victim.  If your identity has been stolen, there are many steps that need to be taken.  To help you out, click on the link below, and follow the expert advice of the FTC.

FTC: Identity Theft Resources