Identity Theft and You

Are you concerned about your own personal identifying information being used fraudulently? On this page you will find information on what you can do to protect you and your family from becoming victims of identity theft.

What is identity theft?

• It occurs when someone steals your personal information – e.g., credit card or Social Security number – and uses it fraudulently
• It can cost you time and money
• It can destroy your credit and ruin your good name

How does identity theft happen?

Identity thieves may: 

• Go through your trash or “dumpster dive”
• Steal your wallet or purse
• Steal your mail or submit a change of address form for your mail
• Use “phishing” or fake emails to get you to provide personal information
• Steal personnel records from their employers

What can you do?

• Deter
  Deter identity thieves by safeguarding your information
  • Shred financial documents before discarding them
  • Protect your Social Security number
  • Don’t give out personal information unless you’re sure who you’re dealing with
  • Don’t use obvious passwords
  • Keep your information secure
• Detect
  Detect suspicious activity by routinely monitoring your financial accounts and billing statements
  • Be alert
  • Mail or bills that don’t arrive
  • Denials of credit for no reason
  • Inspect your credit report. Look for credit accounts you didn’t open
  • Law entitles you to one free report a year from each nationwide credit reporting agencies if you ask for it Online:  http://www.annualcreditreport.com/
  • Inspect your financial statements regularly
  • Look for charges you didn’t make
• Defend
  Defend against identity theft as soon as you suspect a problem
  • Place a “Fraud Alert” on your credit reports by calling the three nationwide credit reporting companies:
    • Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
    • Experian: 1-888-397-3742
    • TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
  • Ask for the free credit report you are entitled to.
  • Review reports carefully, looking for fraudulent activity
  • Close accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. Start by calling the security or fraud department of each company. Follow up in writing, and include copies of supporting documents.
  • File a police report
  • Contact the Federal Trade Commission online at https://www.identitytheft.gov/#/ or by phone at 1-877-ID-THEFT. Your information also helps law enforcement officials across the country to track down and stop ID thieves

Where can you learn more?

• Online: https://www.identitytheft.gov/#/ 
• By phone: 1-877-ID-THEFT
• By mail:
  Identity Theft Clearinghouse
  Federal Trade Commission
  600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
  Washington, DC 20580

Useful Links

• IdentityTheft.gov