Identity Theft Happens: Protect Yourself

Skilled identity thieves use a variety of methods to steal your personal information, including:

• Dumpster Diving – They rummage through trash looking for bills or other paper with your personal information on it.
• Skimming – They steal credit card and debit card numbers by using a special storage device when processing your card.
• Phishing – They pretend to be financial institutions or companies and send spam or pop-up messages to get you to reveal your personal information.
• Changing Your Address – They divert your billing statements to another location by compelling a “change of address” form.
• “Old-fashioned” Stealing – They steal wallets and purses; mail, including bank and credit card statements; pre-approved credit offers; and new checks or tax information. They steal personnel records from their employers, or bribe employees who have access.

Identity theft is a serious crime. It occurs when your personal information is stolen and used without your knowledge to commit fraud or other crimes. Identity theft can cost you time and money. It can destroy your credit and ruin your good name.

Deter identity thieves by safeguarding your information:

• Shred financial documents and paperwork with personal information before you discard them.
• Protect your Social Security number. Don’t’ carry your Social Security card in your wallet or write your Social Security number on a check. Give it out only if absolutely necessary or ask to use another identifier.
• Don’t give out personal information on the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet unless you know who you are dealing with.
• Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails; instead, type in a web address you know. Use firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-virus software to protect your home computer. Keep them up-to-date on the latest software versions.
• Don’t use obvious passwords like your date of birth, your mother’s maiden name, or any part of your Social Security number.
• Keep your personal information in a secure place at home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or if you are having work done in your house.

Detect suspicious activity by routinely monitoring your financial statements and account activity:

• Be alert to signs that require immediate attention:
• Bills that do not arrive as expected.
• Unexpected credit cards or account statements.
• You were denied credit for no apparent reason.
• Calls or letters about purchases you did not make.

Inspect your credit report and financial statements. Your credit report contains information about you, including what accounts you have and your bill paying history. Review your financial accounts and billing statements regularly, looking for charges you did know make.

Defend against identity theft as soon as you suspect it:

• Place a “Fraud Alert” on your credit reports. The alert tells creditors to follow certain procedures before they open new accounts in your name or make changes to your existing accounts. Placing a fraud alert entitles you to free copies of your credit reports. Look for inquiries from companies you haven’t contacted, accounts you didn’t open, and debts that you can’t explain.
• Close any accounts that have been tampered with or established fraudulently. Call the security or fraud department of each company where an account was opened or changed without your knowledge.
• File a police report with law enforcement officials to help you with creditors who may want proof of the crime.
• Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission. Your report helps law enforcement officials across the country in their investigations.