ID Theft on the Rise!

Don't Be A Victim of Identity Theft

Statistics:
1. An identity is stolen every 4 seconds in the United States. Source: MSN Money
2. Identity Theft is the fastest growing crime in America. Source: Federal Trade Commission
3. Over 30 million victims in the past five years. Source: Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
4. Top consumer complaint five years in a row. Source: FTC
5. Over 9 million victims per yer, two years running. Source: Better Business Bureau
Where Does Identity Theft Happen?

Direct Theft - Identity thieves will steal your purse or wallet. Then they use your ATM or Credit Cards. Any personal information they find is a windfall.

Mail - Your mail is very easy to steal. Don't think it's safe even if your mailbox is next to your front door. If they get their hands on your bank or credit card statements, you are in trouble. All the information they need is on your statements. They even go so far as to fill out a change of address form in your name, so they receive your mail.

ATMs - By using a technique called "skimming", they can get your ATM card information. Skimming is when they attach a data storage device, (which anyone can buy practically anywhere), to an ATM machine. When you swipe your card, they have your information.

Places of Business - A Privacy Act Notice must be given to you if any employer requests your Social Security Number, (SSN). Never give your SSN to an employer until you've been officially given a job.

Internet - "Phishing" online is very popular. Thefts happen when people pretend to be a legitimate company requesting your contact or credit card information. Never send them a check!

Records - "Dumpster diving", sifting through trash is another way thieves can get your information. Either a company's trash or your trash. More than one quarter of ID thefts are from people you know or are related to.

Schools & Colleges - SSNs are used for just about everything in colleges. Students and faculty become victims when SSNs are readily available. Left unattended, computer systems make it easy for hacking into.



How ID Thieves Can Get To You

SSN - The gateway to your identity, financially and personally, is your Social Security number. A thief can use your number to obtain a loan or even credit cards in your name. Getting a new Social Security number will not end your problems. The credit bureaus can use negative information from your old Social Security number in your credit report.

Signs of ID Theft

1. Statements and bills arrive late or not at all.
2. Creditors or collection agencies start contacting you.
3. You receive a credit card you did not apply for.
4. You get a letter of denial of credit you did not apply for.
5. You notice some of your mail is missing.
6. You receive bills from companies you never heard of.
7. Your arrested for a crime you did not commit.
8. Your no longer receiving bank statements, credit card statements or utility bills.

What You Can Do to Reduce Your Chances of Being A Victim

1. Do Not carry your Social Security card around with you.
2. Do not leave mail for your postman. The United States Postal Service (USPS), recommends you deposit mail in USPS collection boxes.
3. Invest in a shredder! Shred unwanted documents that contain personal information.
4. Balance your checkbook every month, better yet, if you have internet access, check your transactions online every day.
5. Be STINGY with giving out any personal information.
6. Do not have your SSN or phone number printed on your checks.
7. Never, ever give out personal information over the phone.
8. Use your own computer when doing business online. Public computers are less secure.
9. Don't open email from strangers.
10. Keep your purse/wallet in your bedroom when guests or workmen are around. Hide It!

If you do become a victim, file a police report and get a copy of it. File a complaint with the FTC. Close your accounts.
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