Identity theft occurs when someone uses your name, Social Security number, credit card number, or other identifying data to commit fraud or other crimes.
It has become a growing concern as more information becomes digital. Fortunately, there are preventative measures that you can take to protect yourself.
How does an Identity Thief Acquire Information About You?
An identity thief may use a variety of illegal techniques to obtain identity information, such as:
- Steal mail containing personal information from a mailbox.
- Divert your mail to another location by filling out a change of address form.
- Search through the trash or recycling bin for documents containing financial or personal information.
- Steal your wallet or electronic device.
- Misrepresent themselves to a company that does business with you or otherwise has information about you (e.g. access your credit report by posing as a landlord).
- Hack into your computer or the computer of a company that does business with you.
- Access information you enter online or send by e-mail.
- Pose as a legitimate company or government agency and request personal information via phone (“vishing”), email (“phishing”), or text message (“smishing”).
- Attach a skimmer to an ATM to capture the card number and PIN.
- Take advantage of a personal relationship with you. (For example, a “friend” may swipe a statement from your dresser when you are occupied.)
- Categories:
