What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft is a federal crime.  It occurs when one person’s identification (which can include name, social security number, or any account number) is used or transferred by another person for unlawful activities.  The schemes range from stealing credit card numbers to renting apartments, buying cars and getting loans in someone else’s name.

What Identity Thieves Do With Your Information

The perpetrator may use a variety of tactics to obtain your personal information and drain your finances:
1. Posing as a loan officer and ordering your credit report;
2. “Shoulder surfing” at the ATM or phone booth to get your PIN code;
3. “Dumpster diving” in trash bins behind businesses or apartments for un-shredded credit applications, canceled checks, bank records or any documents containing personal information; or, stealing mail right out of your mailbox;
4. “Skimming” by stealing credit/debit card numbers by using a special storage devise when processing your card;
5. “Phishing” by pretending to be a financial institution and send you spam or pop-up messages to get you to reveal your personal information;
4. “Changing your address” by diverting your billing statements to another location by completing a “change of address” form.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) notes that 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.  The FTC reminds use to use the 3 “D’s” when dealing with Identity Theft: Deter, Detect, and Defend!

Deter – 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 you home computer; keep them up-to-date.  Visit OnGuardOnline.gov for more information.
• Don’t use an obvious password like your birth date, your mother’s maiden name, or the last four digits of your Social Security number.
• Keep your personal information in a secure place at home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or are having work done in your house.

Detect – Detect suspicious activity by routinely monitoring your financial accounts and billing statements.

Be alert to signs that require immediate attention:

• Bills that do not arrive as expected
• Unexpected credit cards or account statements
• Denials of credit for no apparent reason
• Calls or letter about purchase you did not make

Inspect:

• Your credit report.  Credit reports contain information about you, including what accounts you have and your bill paying history.
• The law requires the major nationwide consumer reporting companies – Equifax, Experian, TransUnion – to give you a free copy of your credit report each year if you ask for it.

• Your financial statements.  Review financial accounts and billing statements regularly, looking for charges you did not make.

Defend – Defend against ID theft as soon as you suspect it.

• Place a “Fraud Alert” on your credit reports, and review the reports carefully.  The alert tells creditors to follow certain procedures before they open new accounts in your name or make changes to your existing accounts.  The three nationwide consumer reporting companies have toll-free numbers for placing an initial 90-day fraud alert; a call to one company is sufficient: Equifax 1-800-525-6285, Experian 1-888-397-3742, and TransUnion 1-800-680-7289.

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 on your accounts that you can’t explain.

• Close accounts.  Close any accounts that have been tampered with or established fraudulently.
• Call the security or fraud departments of each company where an account was opened or changed without your okay.  Follow up in writing, with copies of supporting documents.
• Use the ID Theft Affidavit at ftc.gov/idtheft to support your written statement.
• Ask for verification that the disputed account has been closed and the fraudulent debts discharged.
• Keep copies of documents and records of your conversations about the theft.

• File a police report.  File a 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 official across the country in their investigations.

• Online: ftc.gov/idtheft
• By phone: 1877-ID-THEFT (438-4338)
• By mail: Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC  20580