Identity Theft

PF-L (Page 1 of 2)

IDENTITY THEFT

WHAT IS IDENTITY THEFT?

Identity Theft is the stealing of personal information for the purpose of fraud or theft. It is a serious crime that will affect 1 in 4 Americans in their lifetime. The average cost to a consumer who is victimized is $1374 and 175 hours.

CAN IDENTITY THEFT BE PREVENTED?

Probably not – especially if someone is determined. However, you can minimize your risk by managing your personal information wisely.

HOW DOES IDENTITY THEFT OCCUR? MOST COMMONLY, THIEVES WILL:

 Steal wallets and purses containing your identity, credit cards and banking information  Steal mail including bank and credit card statements, pre-approved credit offers, new checks, and tax information.  Complete a change of address form to divert your mail to another location.  Rummage through your trash or a business’ trash for personal data  Find personal information in your home  Use personal information you share on the internet  Use internet scams (usually through e-mail) to pose as legitimate companies or government agencies you do business with.  Steal files out of offices where you are a customer, employee or student by bribing an employee who has access

WHAT DOES THE THIEF DO WITH YOUR INFORMATION?

 Completes credit applications by mail or online for credit cards or consumer loans  Makes internet purchases  Opens or accesses bank accounts  Establishes a new identity

HOW CAN YOU MINIMIZE YOUR RISK?

 Don’t give your social security number unless it is necessary  Destroy unwanted credit offers  Don’t put anything but your name and address on your checks  Do not leave your purse or check book in your vehicle  Shred sensitive documents before you throw them away  Do not leave outgoing mail in your home mailbox for pickup  Do not give personal information to anyone you don’t know  Don’t carry your social security card, passport, or birth certificate in your wallet or purse.  Photocopy the contents of your wallet and keep the information in a safe place to make canceling quick and easy  Review your credit report annually PF-L (Page 2 of 2)

IDENTITY THEFT

IF YOU ARE A VICTIM OF IDENTITY THEFT—

 Contact the fraud department of the three major credit bureaus

Equifax 800-525-6285 (To Report Fraud) 800-685-1111 (To Request a Credit Report)

Experian 888-397-3742 (To Report Fraud) 888-397-3742 (To Request a Credit Report)

TransUnion 800-680-7289 (To Report Fraud) 800-888-4213 (To Request a Credit Report)

Request that a “fraud alert” be placed in your file as well as a victim’s statement asking creditors to call you before opening an account. At the same time, request copies of your credit reports and review them carefully.

 Close the credit accounts that you know or you believe have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. This may include credit cards, ATM cards, checking accounts, utilities and consumer loans. Use different PINs when opening new accounts.  Complete affidavits for forged checks and contact these agencies to request that an alert be placed not to accept your stolen checks:

TeleCheck 800-710-9898

Certegy, Inc. 800-437-5120

International Check Services 800-631-9656

You can also contact SCAN at 800-262-7771 to find out if the identity thief has been passing bad checks in your name.  File a police report with your local police department and get a copy of the report for future reference.  File a complaint with the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) at 877-438-4338