Identity Theft

Identity theft is a serious crime that costs American consumers billions of dollars each year. It occurs when someone uses your personal information, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.

Although you can't entirely control whether you will become a victim of identity theft, there are precautions you can take to minimize the risk. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation's consumer protection agency, encourages consumers to Deter, Detect and Defend to help prevent identity theft.

• Common Ways Identity Theft Happens

  Skilled identity thieves use a variety of methods to steal personal information, including:

  • Dumpster Diving. They rummage through trash looking for bills or other documents with your personal information on it.
  • Skimming. They steal credit/debit card numbers by processing your card with concealed devices.
  • Phishing. They pretend to be financial institutions or companies and make calls, send spam or initiate pop-up messages that prompt you to reveal your personal information.
  • Changing Your Address. They divert your billing statements to another location by completing a "change of address" form.
  • "Old-Fashioned" Stealing. They steal wallets and purses; mail, including bank and credit card statements; pre-approved credit offers; and new checks or tax information. They steal personnel records from their employers, or bribe employees who have access.

• How to Deter Identity Theft

  Identity theft can cost you time and money. When personal information is compromised, your credit can be destroyed and the recovery process can take years. 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 in a secure manner, or ask to use another identifier.
  • Don't give out personal information on the phone, online or through the mail unless you know who you are dealing with.
  • When accessing or sharing personal information online or through a mobile device, first ensure that the network connection is secure.
  • Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails. Instead, confirm the web address on your own, then type it directly into your browser window. Use up-to-date firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-virus software to protect your personal computer or laptop. Visit www.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.

• How to Detect Identity Theft

  • 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 letters about purchases 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, and TransUnion—to give you a free copy of your credit report each year if you ask for it.
    • Visit www.AnnualCreditReport.com or call 1.877.322.8228, a service created by these three companies, to order your free credit reports each year.
    • You also can write:
      Annual Credit Report Request Service
      P.O. Box 105281
      Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.

• How to Defend Against Identity Theft

  Defend against identity 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.EXPERIAN (397.3742)
    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 debits 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 www.ftc.gov/idtheft to support your written statement.
  • Ask for verification that the disputed account has been closed and the fraudulent debits 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 officials across the country in their investigations.