America's Fastest Growing Crime
IDENTITY THIEF
Did you know:
An identity thief can use your name and personal information if arrested, leaving you with a criminal record you know nothing about?  

Identity Theft is the fastest growing and  most commonly reported crime to the  Federal Trade Commission, which states the number of reported cases doubled from 2001 to 2002 and cost consumers $5 billion in the United States alone.  More startling, a national expert on identity theft and director of the Identify Theft Resource Center in San Diego, Linda Foley, warns of 7 million cases occurring each year with several victims being hit more than once and in multiple ways.    IDENTITY  THEFT

How an Identity Thief can harm you?

How they can get your information.
  • Identity thieves can access your current checking and savings accounts, withdrawing or channeling funds to other accounts
  • Take out credit cards in your name 
  • Take out loans in your name
  • Purchase or lease autos
  • Run up your existing credit accounts  
  • Access access and withdraw funds from your brokerage or stock market accounts, including retirement accounts  
  • Steal your Social Security Checks
  • Refinance your home
  • An identity thief can use your name and personal information if arrested, leaving you with a criminal record you know nothing about
  • If your wallet or purse is lost or stolen, an Identity Thief may use your information or more horribly, sell it to a ring of identity thieves.
  • Steal information from your mailbox such as bank statements, credit card bills or pre-approved credit applications.  Some statements also come with checks you can write on your account.
  • From your trash or the trash of places that may have used your information such as "dumpster trash" collected form retail stores, medical facilities and post offices
  • Looking over your shoulder for pin numbers, accounts numbers and other personal information while you are using an ATM or at teller windows and phone booths
  • Having you unwittingly give it to them by posing as a prospective employer, landlord or loan officer
  • Sending you an "Spoof" or "Phisher" e-mail that looks real   

What you can do to protect yourself.
Request credit reports regularly from all three credit-reporting agencies listed below and check diligently for irregularities. 
 
Your Social Security number is the key to your credit history, your employment record and entire financial life.  Guard it!!!!
 
Know when your bills are due so you will be aware if they did not arrive when they should have.  An Identity Thief may submit a "Change of Address" with the company you are dealing with so you will not notice fraudulent charges on your accounts.  Review all credit card and bank statements immediately for unauthorized activity
 
Do not pre-print on your bank checks,  your social security number, driver's license number, or phone number.  Do pre-print your checks with your initials instead.  Checks printed and signed with initials will not tip off to an Identity Theft if you are male or female.  If your bank offers built-in security coding you may want to order your checks through them instead of an outside company.
 
When throwing things away:  Carefully shred any financial records, bank statements, credit card statements, tax returns, old bank checks, etc. and place them in separate garbage bags. When giving your outdated computer away, have a professional wipe the hard drive clean of all information first as deleting information is not enough.  
 
Keep financial records in a safe place or locked up where household help, thieves or workers cannot easily access them.  Do not keep them in an easily accessed place such as an unlocked garage or storage shed.
 
When using the internet:  Never provide personal information in chat rooms or e-mail.  Do not conduct personal business on a PC at an Internet Café, Public Library or other public internet access sites.  If using your e-mail on a public PC, make sure you log out completely.  If making an on-line purchase, confirm that the website encrypts data.  

  
Pay special attention while on vacation where you may tend to let down your guard.  In most hotels the card keys are coded with your name, room number, credit  card information and more.  If you return the card when you check out, any employee can scan it in the hotel's computer and obtain your personal information.  Don't return it when you check out.
 
It is unfortunate that most people have to think twice about giving out their Social Security number requested by a retailer or big department store.  Although the store is only interested in getting you to use their private credit card to make purchases on their particular brand of merchandise.  It is a perfect opportunity for an identify thief to gather information.  
 
Ink out personal financial information on copies of receipts that you send in for rebates, returns or warranties.  
 

Toll Free Numbers for you to call if you suspect that you are a victim 
of credit fraud and want to place fraud alerts on your credit report.

Equifax: 800-525-6285 
or 888-766-0088

Experian: 888-397-3742

TransUnion: 800-680-7289
 

IDENTITY THEFT  & CREDIT CARD Theft Resource Guide

Warning Signs of a " Spoof" or "Phisher" Email

These deceptive emails are called "Spoof Emails" because they fake the appearance of  popular Web sites or well know companies that you are familiar with and may trust, in an attempt to commit identity theft. Also known as "hoax" or "phisher" emails, this practice is occurring more and more frequently throughout the online world.  Never respond to these.   

Spoof emails can be a major problem for unsuspecting Internet users. Claiming to be sent by established companies, your bank or online places like E-Bay, Paypal or America Online.  Even the FBI* has been a victim.  These e-mails ask consumers to reply with personal information, such as their credit card number, social security number or account password.  Why would anyone give out this information???  Most Spoof emails create a sense of urgency and will try to deceive you with the threat that your account is in jeopardy and you will not be able to use it.  They could be friendly and say they are updating files or accounts or they can scare you into thinking that you have been a victim of fraud when they are setting you up for exactly that.

They may begin the email with something like: To Our Valued Customer, Welcome or address you by your name.   While many emails have links included that look real, these links can be forged also.  Requests that you enter sensitive personal information such as a User ID, password or bank account number by clicking on a link or completing a form within the email are a clear indicator of a Spoof email.  If you think you entered your personal financial information into a spoof site, contact your bank and credit card company immediately.

*ALERT:
ATTENTION-FBI E-MAIL HOAX ALERT!! The FBI has become aware of e-mails being generated with the subject line "FBI Investigation" and implying the e-mail originated from the FBI. The e-mail requests the recipient's assistance by purchasing merchandise via the Internet. This e-mail is fictitious, and its origin is being investigated. The FBI would never direct someone to expend personal funds in furtherance of an investigation. If you've received the e-mail, please contact the FBI at www.ifccfbi.gov. See entire false email

To Report "Spoof" or "Phisher" E-mails  - Federal Trade Commission:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/publs/alerts/phishingalrt.htm