Identity Theft
by: Developed from materials provided by Consumer Action
How to Prevent It
What is Identity Theft?
- Identity theft happens when crooks pretend to be you and apply for credit cards in your name.
- They use things like your name, address, Social Security number, bank account, credit card numbers, or birth date.
- The thieves then buy things but don't pay for them.
- By the time you learn what happened, your credit is ruined and bill collectors are hounding you.
Do I have to Pay for What the Thieves Buy?
You don't have to pay for any money that is lost when the crooks steal your identity.
How do I Prevent Identity Theft?
Tear up private papers, receipts, and even junk mail. Most theft happens when crooks find or steal information about you.
- They may steal your wallet.
- They may take a credit card receipt, bill, check stubs, offers for credit cards or bank statement.
- Thieves go through your garbage.
- Even your junk mail can be used to steal your credit.
Watch what you say on the phone
- When you use a pay phone, it is easy for others to hear what you are saying.
- On some cell phones, you can be heard by people who use scanning devices. There are people who make money collecting facts this way.
- Don't discuss private details or give credit card numbers while on a pay or cell phone.
Be careful shopping on the Internet
- Make sure the lock or key icon on your screen is whole.
- A broken icon means that the site is not safe and that your information can be stolen.
Check credit card and bank statements right away
- Jot down a list of your credit card and bank accounts.
- List when you expect bills and statements to arrive.
- Look over your bills as soon as you get them. Make sure no one else has used your accounts.
- If a bill doesn't arrive on time, or there is a purchase or withdrawl you did not make, call the company or bank right away.
Check your credit reports every year
- Make sure that no one else has been using your credit.
- You can order a copy of your reports from credit reporting companies by sending a request and your payment.
- The cost is normally around $8.00 per report.
The three credit reporting bureaus are
Talk to your boss about identity theft.
Bosses keep a lot of data about their workers.
- It should be kept in a safe place. Only key workers should be able to get to it.
- In your own office, keep papers such as health insurance or pay check stubs in a locked drawer.
- Tear or shred bills and receipts that you no longer need.
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