Identity Theft 101
Identity Theft is running rampant through the United States and is getting worse. FTC states that Identity theft is the number one complaint for the past 11 years. Truth of the matter is you could be the victim of Identity Theft, and not be aware of it. Many citizens do not realize their identities have been compromised for months. The sooner you learn of fraudulent activity on your accounts the easier it is to fix.
We have previously discussed that computers put you in a vulnerable position to have your personal information stolen, however don’t think you are in the clear if you don’t access the Internet. A large percentage of these crimes do not start in cyberspace. Read on to find out other ways your identity is stolen, signs that you are the victim of identity theft, and ways to protect yourself.
Ways that your Identity is Stolen
- Stealing mail such as credit card offers, utility bills, and other documents with private information on them.
- Thieves posing as a landlord, employer or someone else to access your credit report.
- “Skimming” your credit card data. Skimming is capturing your credit card information into a storage device. These devices could be attached to an ATM.
- Stealing your wallet or other sensitive information.
- Completing a change of address form to redirect your mail.
- Dumpster diving. This is the act of someone going through trash cans to find any personal data about someone.
Signs that your Identity has been Stolen
- Credit card statements and other pieces of mail have stopped being delivered. Often time’s thieves will change the mailing address on accounts that are stolen.
- Your credit card statement shows items that you never purchased.
- A collection agency or creditor contacts you for an account that you did not open.
- You have accounts or inquiries on your credit report that you did not authorize.
- You are missing important documents, such as a birth certificate, social security card or license.
- Your trash looks disheveled in the morning.
- Getting denied credit suddenly.
- You receive credit or bank cards in the mail that you never administered.
- You receive a denial of credit that you never applied for.
- You receive a notice of change of address that you didn’t request.
Simple Ways to Protect Yourself
- Don’t write credit card numbers down.
- Don’t give anyone who contacts you credit card or debit numbers.
- Shred or tear up any credit offers or applications.
- Check your statements every month.
- Pull your credit often to look for any inaccuracies.
- If mail suddenly declines or comes to a halt inquire why.
- Don’t give personal facts, such as date of birth or social security number to any individual.
- Be vigilant of surroundings while supplying personal information. Shoulder surfing is very common. It is when someone listens in on your conversation or looks over your shoulder to receive sensitive material.
- Don’t carry valuable documents with you.
- Monitor your checking account frequently and challenge any suspicious activity.
