DPSS4361

Identity Theft

Identity theft (ID theft) is the appropriation of personal information without your knowledge or consent, in order to commit fraud or theft. How does ID Theft happen? ● Thieves steal your wallet, purse, luggage containing IDs, credit cards or other personal information. ● Thieves steal your mail, or dumpster dive in your trash cans. ● Thieves use the internet to obtain your personal information. ● Thieves use your personal information to obtain credit, insurance claims, employment, citizenship, Social Security, etc. How can you decrease your risk of ID Theft? ● Reconcile your bank accounts monthly or more ● Review your free credit reports ● Shred sensitive papers before discarding, including receipts, catalogs and prescription bottles; they also have account information ● Guard your Social Security number. Do not carry your SS card with you! ● Carry only the credit cards you need that day ● Use a password other than your mother’s maiden name If your IDENTITY is stolen what do you do? ● Place fraud alerts with the three major U.S. credit reporting agencies (CRAs), also commonly known as the credit bureaus. ● Request copies of your credit reports from the three CRAs. ● Place a security freeze on your credit report. ● Obtain documents related to fraudulent transactions or accounts

opened using your personal information. ● Obtain information from debt collectors. ● File a report with your local law enforcement agency.

11