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Home MenuWhat is Identity Theft?
Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personally identifying information, like your name, Social Security number, or credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.
Identity thieves can acquire your personal information in various ways including: rummaging through your trash; skimming credit card numbers with special devices; phishing for information online or through email while pretending to be a legitimate institution; by stealing wallets, purses, or other valuables from vehicles; or even by diverting your mail to another address. Remember, legitimate banks and other financial institutions will never ask you to provide personal or account information by email.
With your personal information identity thieves can then apply for credit cards under your name, establish bank accounts, cash counterfeit checks with your existing name and account numbers, falsify tax records, apply for government benefits with your Social Security Number, and even apply for loans.
How to Find Out if You Have Been an Identity Theft Victim
Victims typically discover the crime once the thieves do not pay bills and collection agencies begin contacting the real victims. Problems can also be discovered when the victim tries to get a car loan or home mortgage and their credit reports make it difficult.
How to Protect Yourself from Becoming an Identity Theft Victim
- Secure and protect your personal information. Avoid curbside mail delivery if you do not have a locking mailbox. Identity Thieves often steal mail directly out of the mailboxes to use.
- If you store personal information on a computer that is connected to the Internet, make sure you have adequate firewall and anti-virus protection in place. Do not reply with personal information to any unsolicited emails from people you do not personally know.
- Do not leave personal or sensitive information in your vehicles.
- Shred all documents that contain personal information or account information before placing it in the normal trash.
- Monitor your accounts. Vigilance is the key. If something appears on a statement that seems out of place, make sure you investigate it and report it if necessary.
- Check your credit reports often. The three major credit bureaus are:
- Equifax
- To order your report, call: 800-685-1111 or write: P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
- To report fraud, call: 800-525-6285 and write: P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
- Hearing impaired call 800-255-0056 and ask the operator to call the Auto Disclosure Line at 800-685-1111 to request a copy of your report.
- Experian
- To order your report, call: 888-EXPERIAN (888-397-3742) or write: P.O. Box 2002, Allen TX 75013
- To report fraud, call: 888-EXPERIAN (888-397-3742) and write: P.O. Box 9530, Allen TX 75013
- Trans Union
- To order your report, call: 800-888-4213 or write: P.O. Box 1000, Chester, PA 19022
- Equifax
Free Credit Reports
Changes to the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) allow consumers to get a free copy of their credit report annually. Consumers on the West Coast can take advantage of this offer by going to www.annualcreditreport.com or by calling 877-322-8228.
What to Do if You Think You Are a Victim of Identity Theft
- Contact your financial institutions and the three credit reporting agencies and have a fraud alert placed on your accounts.
- Contact the police to conduct an investigation. It is very helpful and will speed the investigation if you are able to bring copies of the relevant information such as bank statements, credit reports, or information that leads you to believe you are a victim when you report it to the police.
- Continue to monitor your accounts and credit information. The following links may also be useful in resolving the matter:
Social Security Administration (Stolen SSN)
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