How to protect yourself!

What is Identity theft?

It’s stealing someone’s personal information and using it to commit fraud or theft. Identity theft is a serious crime.

Identity thieves prey on anything that reveals personal information.

They use it to find out a victim’s:

·        Name

·        Address and date of birth

·        Social Security number (SSN)

·        Telephone or cellular phone number

·        Bank account or credit card numbers

·        Other personal information, such as passwords and family names

It’s a growing problem.

For the victim, it can mean:

·        Denial of credit and loan applications

·        Bad credit ratings

·        False arrests and criminal records

·        High costs correcting the problem

·        Devastating loss of privacy and security

Identity thieves get personal information in many ways.

They may:

Practice “dumpster diving,” or garbage picking, to get information from trash found at homes or workplaces

Steal wallets or purses, for IDs, credit cards and other information (or they can enter your home to steal personal data)

Steal mail, such as bank statements bills, credit card offers and tax information

Pose as a rental agent or employer to get credit reports

Go online to steal information you may share on the internet

Pay an “insider” at a store or at work who has access to personal information

Victims can have their identities stolen for months or years and not even know it!

Your personal information is valuable!

Identity thieves can use it to:

Drain your bank account, by using your check or debt cards

Open new credit card accounts and run up bills in your name

Open new accounts in your name and use them to write bad checks

Buy cars with auto loans in your name

Establish phone or wireless service, or accounts with utility companies in your name

Give a new mailing address to your credit card company while stacking up charges on your account (you may not be aware there’s a problem for some time)

But there’s a lot you can do to protect yourself!

Protect your personal information.

Beware of identity thieves. Identity thieves can use information you give by mail or phone or over the internet. Never give out personal information, such as credit card numbers, unless you initiated the contact.

Ask questions, before revealing personal data, find out:

·        How will it be used?

·        Will it be shared?

·        Can I choose to keep it confidential?