<font face="arial" size="2" color="#990000"><b>What is identity theft? </b></font> Identity theft occurs when someone uses your name, address, Social Security number (SSN), bank or credit card account number, or other identifying information without your knowledge to commit fraud or other crimes. They steal your personal information and use it to open credit cards, take out loans, rent apartments, make long distance calls or even to engage in illegal acts. Identity theft is the fastest growing federal crime in America today, carrying penalties of up to 15 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. <font face="arial" size="2" color="#990000"><b>How can someone steal my identity? </b></font> Identity thieves use a variety of low- and high-tech methods to gain access to your personally identifying information. They range from simply helping themselves to your mail or trash to obtaining your information on-line through a computer. A fellow employee may access information on the job and use it to commit fraud, a dishonest salesclerk might swipe your card twice without your knowledge, your purse or wallet may be stolen, someone may help themselves to your financial information in your home or submit a change of address card to divert your mail to a different location. All of these methods and more are being used by thieves everyday. <font face="arial" size="2" color="#990000"><b> How can I prevent identity theft from happening to me?</b></font> Never give identifying information, especially a Social Security number, on the phone or on-line unless you have initiated the call. Shred all financial and other important documents before discarding them. Be aware of expiration dates on your credit cards and call to report the card lost/stolen if the new card doesn’t arrive when expected. The same with your bills, an ID thief may be receiving your mail, along with all of your personal information. Check activity on all statements for unauthorized purchases or withdrawals. Don’t just cut up unused credit cards, call and cancel the credit line. Don’t have check orders arrive at your home, have them sent to your financial institution for pick up, and never leave mail in the box for the postman. These are just a few of the precautions you can exercise. <font face="arial" size="2" color="#990000"><b>How would I know it has happened to me? </b></font> Unfortunately, most victims are unaware of the theft until they apply for credit and are turned down or receive calls from debt collectors stating they are behind in payments on accounts they never opened. Experts report it could take up to a year for a consumer to even become aware they are a victim. Keeping a close eye on your credit profile, as supplied by the 3 major credit reporting agencies, is the best way to watch for fraud. Request a report every 6 months or so and review it for incorrect information and any unauthorized activity. To request reports, <a href="CreditReport.aspx">click here.</a> <font face="arial" size="2" color="#990000"><b> What are the first steps I should take if I'm a victim of identity theft?</b></font> First, be sure to document everything you do and every phone call you have regarding the situation. Any letters should be sent certified, return receipt requested. <ol><li> Call the fraud line for one of the 3 major credit bureaus to report the theft. Once one is notified, the others will be automatically updated and all 3 will send you free reports for your review.</li> <li> Review reports carefully to identify which fraudulent accounts have been opened in your name and what unauthorized changes have been added to your existing accounts.</li> <li> Contact creditors to inform them of the fraudulent activity, to close accounts that have been tampered with and to request copies of the documents used by the thief to open the accounts. This may help you in proving that you are a victim. Follow up all calls in writing.</li> <li> File a police report with your local police department and obtain copies of that report to use as proof of the crime. </li> <li> File a complaint with the FTC, which maintains a database of identity theft cases which are used by law enforcement agencies in investigations. </li></ol> <a href="http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/index.html">Click here</a> for help and answers to other common questions. What is identity theft? Identity theft occurs when someone uses your name, address, Social Security number (SSN), bank or credit card account number, or other identifying information without your knowledge to commit fraud or other crimes. They steal your personal information and use it to open credit cards, take out loans, rent apartments, make long distance calls or even to engage in illegal acts. Identity theft is the fastest growing federal crime in America today, carrying penalties of up to 15 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.

How can someone steal my identity? Identity thieves use a variety of low- and high-tech methods to gain access to your personally identifying information. They range from simply helping themselves to your mail or trash to obtaining your information on-line through a computer. A fellow employee may access information on the job and use it to commit fraud, a dishonest salesclerk might swipe your card twice without your knowledge, your purse or wallet may be stolen, someone may help themselves to your financial information in your home or submit a change of address card to divert your mail to a different location. All of these methods and more are being used by thieves everyday.

How can I prevent identity theft from happening to me? Never give identifying information, especially a Social Security number, on the phone or on-line unless you have initiated the call. Shred all financial and other important documents before discarding them. Be aware of expiration dates on your credit cards and call to report the card lost/stolen if the new card doesn’t arrive when expected. The same with your bills, an ID thief may be receiving your mail, along with all of your personal information. Check activity on all statements for unauthorized purchases or withdrawals. Don’t just cut up unused credit cards, call and cancel the credit line. Don’t have check orders arrive at your home, have them sent to your financial institution for pick up, and never leave mail in the box for the postman. These are just a few of the precautions you can exercise.

How would I know it has happened to me? Unfortunately, most victims are unaware of the theft until they apply for credit and are turned down or receive calls from debt collectors stating they are behind in payments on accounts they never opened. Experts report it could take up to a year for a consumer to even become aware they are a victim. Keeping a close eye on your credit profile, as supplied by the 3 major credit reporting agencies, is the best way to watch for fraud. Request a report every 6 months or so and review it for incorrect information and any unauthorized activity. To request reports, click here.

What are the first steps I should take if I'm a victim of identity theft? First, be sure to document everything you do and every phone call you have regarding the situation. Any letters should be sent certified, return receipt requested.

1. Call the fraud line for one of the 3 major credit bureaus to report the theft. Once one is notified, the others will be automatically updated and all 3 will send you free reports for your review.


2. Review reports carefully to identify which fraudulent accounts have been opened in your name and what unauthorized changes have been added to your existing accounts.


3. Contact creditors to inform them of the fraudulent activity, to close accounts that have been tampered with and to request copies of the documents used by the thief to open the accounts. This may help you in proving that you are a victim. Follow up all calls in writing.


4. File a police report with your local police department and obtain copies of that report to use as proof of the crime.


5. File a complaint with the FTC, which maintains a database of identity theft cases which are used by law enforcement agencies in investigations.

Click here for help and answers to other common questions.