Identity Theft

How to keep it from happening

Identity theft is something that continues to grow because thieves have a number of methods when it comes to stealing your identity. There are many ways old and new to collect your personal information, here are a few:

  • Stealing your wallet or purse
  • Phishing
  • Using a data storage device to ‘skim’ information from an ATM Machine
  • Going through your trash (also known as “dumpster diving”)
  • Stealing/diverting your United States Postal Mail
  • Home invasion
  • Plain old snooping

Now that they have it how do they use it?

Now that they have your information thieves can make purchases using our credit card information, they may even call the credit card issuer and change the mailing address so it will take some time for you to catch on. Thieves can also open a new credit card account, establish phone or wireless service, open a bank account, and start writing bad checks. Purchasing a vehicle and taking out a loan in your name is also common. They could give out your name to the police during an arrest, not show up for court, then the arrest warrant contains our name.

How to tell you that there is another you

Good ways to tell there is another you are unexplained charges or withdrawals on your financial accounts, bills fail to arrive, credit cards are received for which you did not apply, your credit is denied for no apparent reason. Another good way to tell is if debt collectors call about unpaid merchandise that you did not purchase, or credit card accounts that have gone unpaid.

How to deny access to your personal information

  • When creating passwords: avoid using easily attained information like your mother’s maiden name, your birth date, address or phone number, etc.
  • Secure personal information in your home, under lock and key, if necessary.
  • Unless YOU initiate the contact, don’t give out personal information over the phone, internet, or mail.
  • Shred ALL mail with personal information, including pre-approved credit card applications.
  • Do not carry your Social Security card in your wallet. Keep it in a secure place with your other personal information.

With so many of us spending time online today, it’s also important to take the following precautions:

  • Update your virus protection software for your computer on a regular basis.
  • Do not open files sent by strangers.
  • Refrain from clicking on links or downloading programs from E-Mail addresses you don’t recognize and even those you do recognize (like your bank or credit card).
  • Use a firewall program to stop unwanted access, especially if you use a high-speed internet connection (cable, DSL, etc.).
  • Be sure any web site you are making a purchase from is secure. A lock icon on the browser status bar is one indicator.

What to do if you become a victim

Place a fraud alert with one of the three credit bureaus. This will help prevent any additional accounts from being opened in your name. By law, when you contact one to place a fraud alert, the company must contact the other two. When you place a fraud alert, you’re entitled to a free copy. Be sure to check your credit report for any questionable activity. To get a free copy of your credit report once a year visit www.annualcreditreport.com.

Close accounts you suspect have been tampered with. When opening new accounts, implement Personal Identification Numbers (PIN’s) and passwords.

File a report with the local police or the police in the community where the theft took place. Get a copy of the police report for future reference.

File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at (877) 438-4338.

Be sure to keep records of all conversations related to your reporting of the theft along with copies of any correspondence. For more detailed information on identity theft, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s web site.

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