Identity Theft and Identity Fraud

With enough personal information about  an  individual, a person can take over that person’s identity or financial records. For example, the thief can falsify applications for credit cards, withdraw money from bank accounts, take out loans, use telephone calling cards, purchase cell phones and run up charges, or obtain goods and privileges by using another person’s credit history and good name.

Often a victim may not become aware of what has happened until the criminal has damagedthe victim’s assets, credit, and reputation.

Guard your personal information

If a purse or wallet is stolen, the driver’s license, credit cards and other details can provide easy resources for an identity thief. Minimize the number of cards and personal information you carry with you, so thieves have access to the least possible personal information.

Guard your Social Security number, credit card numbers,
personal identification numbers (PINs), passwords and other personal information.
 

• Protect incoming and outgoing mail. Thieves can steal and change checks in bill envelopes, or take incoming mail and sign up for credit card offers — but reroute bills to another address.

• Keep your trash "clean" of personal information. 

• Shred credit applications.

• Watch bank statements and credit card bills for unexpected charges.

Research shows the average American discards nearly 200 pounds of paper each year — including stacks of unwanted junk mail. Often, junk mail and paper trash includes valuable information  about personal identity and should be discarded carefully.

• Choose passwords and PIN numbers that can’t be guessed.

• Safeguard your banking information.

• Never share your PIN number or let another person look over your shoulder.

Many fraud artists invent company names that sound impressive, or are designed to sound similar to existing companies. Confirm that a company is a legitimate business before you give them any personal information.

Note whether the company has a street address (not a post office box alone) and business phone number.

Compare listings with the main office if someone claims to represent a national company. Verify the person is an employee.

Ask the business to provide a copy of any offer or contract in writing and allow time for review, without pressure to close the deal if you aren’t ready. Legitimate companies look for long-term
relationships, not just quick profits.

Be sure the company provides more than one way to reach a representative. Be wary if someone
can only be reached by leaving a message, or if all contact is by email or fax.

Find out if the company is listed in the yellow pages, or if it has a website. 

Contact the appropriate state agency to see if the company is licensed, if required. 

Check the company's complaint record with the consumer affairs department of the
state attorneygeneral’s office. 

Avoid businesses that solicit door-to-door, via email or fax; anyone who pressures you to make immediate decisions; and avoid anyone who offers good "deals" and long-term guarantees but ONLY if you act quickly.

Pay attention to your instincts. If a deal seems too good to be true, it often is.

Don’t share your personal information with anyone you don’t know and trust.