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IDentity Theft
What is
Identity Theft?
Identity Theft is a crime. A crime in which someone wrongfully obtains
and uses another person’s personal data in some way that involves
deception and often fraud. Some common types of identity theft crime
are:
Financial ID Theft: This type of case typically focuses on your name
and Social Security number (SSN). The imposter may apply for telephone
service, credit cards, loans, or lease an apartment.
Criminal ID Theft: The imposter in this case provides the victim’s information
instead of his or her own when spotted by law enforcement officers. If a warrant
for arrest is issued it is in the name of the person whose ID has been used---YOURS!!!
Identity Cloning: In this case the imposter uses the victim’s information
to establish a new life. They work and live as the victim---YOU.
The most common means of identity theft involves a thief stealing personal
information, such as bank account numbers and Social Security numbers,
and then using the information in a fraudulent way.
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How
ID Thieves Get Personal Information
- Wallets and purses that contain personal identification and financial
information get stolen.
- Mail that may include bank statements, credit card statements, pre-approved
credit offers, etc. get stolen.
- The thieves complete a change of address form to divert your mail
to another location.
- Your trash gets rummaged through for personal data (often this is
called dumpster diving).
- Your credit report is obtained fraudulently by the thieves posing
as a landlord, employer or someone who may have a legitimate and legal
right to the information.
- The thieves buy personal information from “inside sources” sources
such as an employee where you work or a store employee who has access
to information that appears on an application for goods, services,
or credit.
- The thieves retrieve personal information about you from the internet.
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How
ID Thieves Can Use Your Personal Information
They have the mailing address changed on your credit card account. If
an imposter runs up charges on your account, it may take some time before
you realize there’s a problem, since the bill is being sent to
a new address.
The ID thieves open a new credit card account, using your name and personal
information such as date of birth and SSN. After using the credit card
and not paying the bill, the delinquent account may be reported on your
credit record.
With your personal information ID thieves may:
- Counterfeit checks or debit cards, and drain your accounts.
- Buy cars by taking out auto loans in your name.
- Establish a phone or wireless service in your name without your knowledge.
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Tips
to Avoid Identity Theft
- Keep all personal information safe at home, especially if you have
a roommate or are having work done.
- Don’t keep PIN numbers near your checkbook, ATM card, or debit
card.
- Carry as few cards with identification and personal information as
possible; such as social security numbers, PIN numbers, etc.
- Don’t give out confidential information such as credit card
numbers, social security numbers, birth date, PIN number, or even your
maiden name over the phone unless you have initiated the call.
- Check your financial records as soon as you receive them for any
unexplained activity.
- Keep track of when your bills arrive each month. Call and check the
activity if the bill has not arrived.
- Be wary of giving out your social security number. The only place
you must use your social security number are on government and financial
forms such as tax forms and most credit applications.
- Question how your personal information is stored at your place of
employment.
- Check regularly your credit report for the following:
- Awareness of all accounts listed and balances
- Look in the section that lists who has received a copy of your
credit history
- Check for addresses where you have never lived
- Check about inquiries regarding loans and leases you have never
received
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What
is Identity Theft?
