What is identity theft?

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your identity to open credit accounts, rent apartments and even engage in criminal acts. It is one of the fastest-growing crimes in America. The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse estimates that there are between 500,000 and 700,000 identity theft victims a year.

How does it happen?

Criminals steal personal information, such as social security numbers, driver’s license numbers, credit card numbers, ATM cards, telephone calling cards and other key pieces of a person’s identity. They use this stolen information to impersonate their victims and spend as much money as possible in a short time before moving on to their next victim.

Identity thieves use a variety of means to gain access to your information, including…

stealing your mail
looking through your garbage
taking information from internet sites that are not secure
posing as your bank, credit card company or utility company needing to “update their records”
completing a change of address form at the post office
stealing from the “inside” – a store clerk takes key information from your check or credit/debit card

How can I protect myself?

There are no 100% surefire ways to prevent identity theft, but here are a few simple rules to help minimize the chances of it happening to you.

Before you give out any personal information, find out how it will be used.
Pay attention to your billing cycles and follow up with creditors if your bills don’t arrive on time.
Look over statements carefully and investigate any suspicious activity.
Carry with you only the identification and bank/credit cards you absolutely need.
Do not give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or via the internet unless you initiated the call and know who you’re dealing with.
Keep items with personal information in a safe place.
Give your social security number only when absolutely necessary and do not carry your social security card with you.
Look over a copy of your credit report once a year.

The bottom line—be alert. That’s your best defense against identity theft.

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