Identity theft is the misuse of your personal identifying information without your permission. Your personal identifying information includes your:
| What Ways Can A Thief Steal Your Identity? |
|---|
| Stealing your wallet, purse, or personal documents and information. |
By skimming - stealing your credit card number when you are making a purchase. |
| By phishing - online request to your email or a pop up message requesting you update your account information immediately. |
| By pretexting - tricking an individual into giving personal information over the phone. |
| By pharming / spoofing - redirects user from a valid website server to a criminal monitored website server. |
| By dumpster diving - digging through trash for discarded bills or credit card offers. |
| By unlawfully getting a copy of your credit report. |
| What Can a Thief Do With Your Identity? |
|---|
| Open new credit cards and/or checking accounts |
| Make unauthorized purchases on your existing credit cards |
| Setup utility accounts in your name (i.e. cable, phone, etc.) |
| Obtain false government ID's |
| File for bankruptcy in your name |
| How Can You Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft? |
|---|
| Cut up or shred old bills, credit card offers, receipts, bank statements and anything else that contains personal information. |
| Review your credit report annually to ensure the information is accurate. You can receive a free copy every 12 months from each reporting company. |
| Create passwords that are difficult to guess. Include letters (upper and lowercase), numbers and symbols (!, $, #) when possible. |
| Minimize the identification information and number of cards you carry. Do not carry your social security card in your wallet or purse. |
| Cancel credit cards that have been used in six months. Open credit is a prime target. |
| Protect your personal information inside your home in a safe, or secure in a hidden place. |
| Do not give out your personal information unless you have initiated the contact or know the person/company with whom you are working with. |
| Drop off mail at the local post office. Stop mail delivery while out of town. |
| Pick up new checks at the bank instead of having them mailed to your house. |
| Opt out of receiving credit card offers in the mail. |
| Add your telephone number(s) to the National Do Not Call Registry. |