Identity Theft Information

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Identity Theft Information

Today, more and more people are falling victim to America's fastest growing crime - identity theft. In 2006 more than 9.9 million Americans were victims - costing them roughly $5 billion.

Has it happened to you - can it happen to you? Those people who have had it happen to them describe it as the ultimate violation of their lives; 'that someone ruined my life the way they did'.

What exactly is Identity Theft?

Many people do not realize how easily criminals can obtain our personal data without having to break into our homes. In public places, for example, criminals may engage in "shoulder surfing" - watching you from a nearby location as you punch in your telephone calling card number or credit card number - or listen in on your conversation as you give your credit-card number over the telephone to a hotel or rental car company.

Even the area near your home or office may not be secure. Some criminals engage in "dumpster diving" - going through your garbage cans, a communal dumpster or trash bin -- to obtain copies of your checks, credit card or bank statements, or other records which typically bear your name, address, and even your telephone number. These types of records make it easier for criminals to get control over accounts in your name and assume your identity.

If you receive applications for "pre-approved" credit cards in the mail, but discard them without tearing up the enclosed materials, criminals may retrieve them and try to activate the cards for their use without your knowledge. (Some credit card companies, when sending credit cards, have adopted security measures that allow a card recipient to activate the card only from his or her home telephone number but this is not yet a universal practice.) Also, if your mail is delivered to a place where others have ready access to it, criminals may simply intercept and redirect your mail to another location.

In recent years, the Internet has become an appealing place for criminals to obtain identifying data, such as passwords or even banking information. In their haste to explore the exciting features of the Internet, many people respond to "spam" - unsolicited E-mail - that promises them some benefit but requests identifying data, without realizing that in many cases, the requester has no intention of keeping his promise. In some cases, criminals reportedly have used computer technology to obtain large amounts of personal data.

With enough identifying information about an individual, a criminal can take over that individual's identity to conduct a wide range of crimes: for example, false applications for loans and credit cards, fraudulent withdrawals from bank accounts, fraudulent use of telephone calling cards, or obtaining other goods or privileges which the criminal might be denied if he were to use his real name. If the criminal takes steps to ensure that bills for the falsely obtained credit cards, or bank statements showing the unauthorized withdrawals, are sent to an address other than the victim's, the victim may not become aware of what is happening until the criminal has already caused substantial damage on the victim's assets, credit, and reputation.

What Can I do to Minimize being an Identity Theft Victim?

  • Do not carry your extra credit cards, Social Security card, birth certificate, or passport in your wallet or purse except when necessary. This practice minimizes the amount of information a thief can steal. Photocopy everything in your wallet so if it is stolen you know exactly who to call.

  • Do not click on links in any emails you receive from financial institutions - even if you're 100% sure they're legitimate. Instead, go to your browser and type in the domain name of the institution (e.g. www.legacyar.com or www.paypal.com) and then login to your account. Some emails you receive about your financial accounts are actually fake and are called "phishing" emails. See the legacyar.com Online Education Center page for more on "phishing".

  • Make sure your computer is set to automatically download the latest patches and fixes. Any computer operating systems will have security holes. You will want to install a new fix once they are discovered and patched. Both Microsoft Windows and Mac have an easy method for doing this.

  • Install virus and spyware detection software and keep them updated.

  • Install a lockable mailbox at your residence to reduce mail theft.

  • Take credit card receipts with you. Never toss them in a public trash container.

  • Never leave your purse or wallet unattended at work or in church, restaurants, health fitness clubs, parties, or shopping carts. Never leave your purse or wallet in open view in your car, even when your car is locked.

  • Destroy all leftover checks immediately after you close a checking account. Destroy or keep in a secure place any courtesy checks that your bank or credit card company sends to you.

  • Do not have the bank send your new checks to your home address. Tell the bank that you prefer to pick them up.

  • Reconcile your check and credit card statements in a timely fashion, and challenge any purchases you did not make.

  • Limit the number of credit cards you have, and cancel any inactive accounts.

  • Never give any credit card, bank, or Social Security information to anyone by telephone, even if you made the call, unless you can positively verify that the call is legitimate.

  • Minimize exposure of your Social Security and credit card numbers. If the numbers are requested for check-cashing purposes, ask if the business has alternative options such as a check-cashing card.

  • Do not have your Social Security number printed on your personal checks.

  • Safeguard your credit, debit, and ATM card receipts. Shred them before discarding.

  • Scrutinize your utility and subscription bills to make sure the charges are yours.

  • Memorize your passwords and personal identification numbers (PINs) so you do not have to write them down. Be aware of your surroundings to make sure no one is watching you input your PIN.

  • Keep a list of all your credit accounts and bank accounts in a secure place so you can quickly call the issuers to inform them about missing or stolen cards. Include account numbers, expiration dates, and telephone numbers of customer service and fraud departments.

  • Do not toss pre-approved credit offers in your trash or recycling bin without first shredding them. "Dumpster divers" use these offers to order credit cards in your name and mail them to their address. Always do the same with other sensitive information like credit card receipts, phone bills, and such.

  • If you don't receive your billing statement, notify the company immediately.

For further information on identity theft, contact the following for assistance:

Fighting Back Against Identity Theft - Federal Trade Commission
 
 
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