Identity Theft

Identification thieves steal personal information, such as a credit card account number, social security number or driver's license number. Then they open accounts in a consumer's name and run up charges on the account, or they use the personal information to charge goods and services to a consumer's existing accounts.

The harm to a consumer's credit and daily life can be devastating. Victims of ID theft often have trouble getting new credit cards or loans because of the damage to their credit rating.

According to the ID theft data clearinghouse, the most common types of identity theft are:

• Using or opening a credit card account fraudulently
• Opening telecommunication or utility accounts fraudulently
• Passing bad checks on your account or opening a new bank account using your identity
• Obtaining loans using your identity

Prevention Is The First Step In Minimizing Your Risk; Here Are Some Guidelines You Should Follow:

• Minimize the identification information and the number of cards you carry
• Sign your credit cards immediately
• Promptly remove mail from your mailbox - deposit outgoing mail at the post office or post office collection boxes
• Do not attach a PIN number or social security number to any of your cards
• Shred documents that contain credit card numbers, invoices, old bank statements, and the unwanted pre-approved credit offers
• NEVER give personal information or account numbers to anyone online or by phone unless you know the party you are dealing with, or your initiated the contact
• Alert your bank or cardholder if you do not receive your statements. (someone could have taken them from your mailbox or could have filed a false change of address notice so your mail would be diverted)
• Do not preprint your driver's license or social security number on your personal checks.
• Check your credit report periodically to monitor that no new accounts have been opened, there has not been a change of address, or balances have not increased without your authority.

If You Suspect That You Are The Victim Of Identity Theft

Quick action is the key. The following are some steps you should take in case you become a victim of Identity Theft:

• Contact the fraud departments of each of the three major credit bureaus and report that you have been a victim of identity theft. Ask that a "Fraud Alert" be placed on your file and that no new credit be granted without your approval.

  EQUIFAX: 800-658-1111 or www.equifax.com EXPERIAN: 800-397-3742 or www.experian.com TRANS UNION: 800-916-8800 or www.transunion.com

• For any accounts that have been fraudulently accessed or opened, contact the Credit Grantor or Financial Institution and request these accounts be closed. If you open new accounts, do not use passwords that contain social security number or mother's maiden name.
• File a report with local police. Get the report number or a copy of the report for proof of crime.
• Call the identity theft clearinghouse toll-free at 1-877-IDTHEFT (877-438-4338) to report the theft. Document these contacts with dates, names, and phone numbers for your records. The web site for identity theft is www.consumer.gov/idtheft. This phone number and web site is the central point of contact within the Federal Government for reporting incidents of identity theft.