Identity Theft Comparisons

Let us begin by defining what is identity theft?

Identity theft is when someone uses your personal information, your name, Social Security number, or credit card number, without your authorization or permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.

The Federal Trade Commission’s website estimates that as many as 8.5 million people have their identities stolen each year. In fact, you or someone you may know, probably has experienced some form of identity theft.

There are many different kinds of Identity theft. These people could try to rent an apartment, order a credit card, or sign up for a telephone IN YOUR NAME!! You may not find out about this crime until you review your credit report or look at your credit card bill. Often times, it is too late, the crime has been committed. And you do not know about it until you are contacted by a debt collector.

Identity theft is a serious crime. While some identity theft victims can resolve their problems quickly, others spend thousands and many days repairing damage to their excellent name and credit record. Some people have even lost out on job opportunities, denied education loans, lost out on houses or vehicles, just because this negative information on their credit reports. In rare cases, they may even be arrested for crimes they did not commit. How would you like to be arrested for something that some one else did?

Hopefully you can see this is a critical situation that affects your entire life. Below are a few easy items that may help you to be aware and possibly avoid being a victim of this crime.

How could these thieves steal your identity?

Identity theft starts with the misuse of your personally identifying information such as your name and Social Security number, credit card numbers, or other bank account information. For identity thieves, this is where it all starts. Skilled identity thieves may use any one of these methods to steal from you:

1. Garbage Can Diving. They rummage through trash looking for bills or other paper with your personal information on it. (This is what shredders are for!!)
2. Skimming. They steal credit/debit card numbers by using a special storage device when processing your card. Usually when you hand your card to your server at a resturant. Word to the wise, “Do not let that card out of your sight!”
3. Phishing. They pretend to be your bank or even websites that you might have done business with in the past. They send spam or pop-up messages to get you to reveal your personal information. Don’t fall for it. Usually, banks and other’s never ask you in an email to enter your personal information. That is collected at the time you signed up, and under a secure server.
4. Changing Your Address. They divert your billing statements to another location by completing a change of address form.
5. Good Old-Fashioned Stealing. They steal wallets, purses, mail, bank and credit card statements, pre-approved credit offers (Shred these!!), and tax information. They steal personnel records, or pay employees who have access a bribe.

All these methods are pretty disgusting to me and hopefully you too. What can we do about it?