Identity Theft

Identity Theft What Is Identity Theft? Identity theft is when someone finds and uses your personal information, like your social security number, driver’s license, state or government issued ID, credit card or bank account information for their own purposes - usually leaving you without any money in your bank or credit card account! How Thieves Steal Identities 1. Dumpster Diving: They dig through trash looking for anything with your personal information on it. 2. Skimming: They steal credit/debit card numbers by using a special storage device when processing your card. 3. Phishing: They pretend to be from financial institutions or companies and send spam or pop-up email hoping you will give them your personal information. Banks NEVER request information through email. 4. Changing Your Address: They divert your billing statements to another location by completing a change of address form without your knowledge. 5. Old-Fashioned Stealing: They steal wallets and purses, new checks or tax information, and mail, including pre-approved credit offers, bank and credit card statements. They also steal personnel records or bribe employees who have access to personal information. 6. Pretending: They pretend to be from telephone companies or financial institutions to obtain your personal information on the phone. 7. Shoulder Surfing: They watch over your shoulder to see the PIN you punch in. How To Prevent Identity Theft • • Never carry your social security # with you. Do not leave identification, credit cards or other personal information in your vehicle, locker or gym bag—always keep them on your person. Pay for gas with a credit card whenever possible—debit card fraud can have a larger impact if the number is stolen. Do not provide personal information through email—banks & credit card companies never use email to acquire information. • When using a credit card, watch where the clerk places the — receipt—temporary employees may keep your receipt - temporary employees may keep your receipt for personal use later. receipt for personal use later. Carry purses that zip or lock—do not leave them unattended in a shopping cart, dressing room or on a counter. Keep wallets in front pants pockets or zipped jacket pockets where they are harder to get to. Shred receipts and mail with personal information—don’t throw them in the trash. • • • • • What Are The Signs My Identity Has Been Stolen? √ √ √ √ √ Unfamiliar Charges or Withdrawals - Check your bank and credit card statements regularly. Missing Mail - You did not receive a monthly bill that may have been taken from your mailbox. Calls from Creditors - Contact by a creditor who represents a company you have not done business with. New Credit Cards - Receiving a credit card that you didn’t apply or sign for. Denial of Credit - Enexplained refusal of credit requires—be sure to investigate. What Should I Do If It Happens To Me?  File a police report  Contact lenders and banks Equifax Experian Trans Union  Call the ID Theft Clearinghouse: 1-877-ID-THEFT Fraud Line 1-800-525-6285 Fraud Line 1-800-397-3742 Fraud Line 1-800-680-7289  Contact Credit Bureaus: 1-800-685-1111 1-800-397-3742 1-800-916-8800