Identification Theft Prevention

What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft occurs when a criminal uses another person’s personal information to take on that person’s identity. The act of stealing your good name to commit fraud.

Types of Identity Theft
Who wants to steal my identity?
How can my identity be stolen?
How do I protect my identity from being stolen?
What should I do if I am a victim of Identity Theft?
What resources are available to me?
Links and phone numbers

Types of Identity Theft

• Credit Card Fraud
• Unauthorized Phone or Utility Service
• Bank Fraud
• Fraudulent Loans
• Government Documents or Benefits

Who wants to steal my identity?

• Amateur Criminals - Impersonators
• Organized Crime
• Criminal Family or Friend - "Friendly Fraud"
• Hackers - Deliberate and Accidental

How can my identity be stolen?

• Stolen or lost wallet/purse
• Fraudulently accessing your credit report
• "Shoulder Surfing"
• Mail theft
• "Dumpster Diving"
• Internet sources or hacking for data
• Public record information
• Purchasing information from employees with access to personal information
• Theft of personal information as an employee or from a family member or friend

How do I protect my identity from being stolen?

• Reducing access to your personal data:
  • Minimize the amount of information you carry
  • Remove your name from marketing lists, phone book and reserve directories
  • Install a locked mailbox or use a post office box
  • Pick up new checks or reorders at the financial institution
  • Do not put your mail in an unsecured mailbox for pickup
  • Use only encrypted communication lines when using personal information on the internet
• Credit/Debit Cards
  • Reduce the number of cards you actively use
  • Reduce the number of cards you actively use
    Cancel all unused accounts
  • Keep a list or photocopy of all your credit/debit cards & bank accounts in a secure place
  • Never give out your credit/debit card number or personal information over the phone unless you have initiated the call
  • Order your credit report once a year
  • Do not “toss” your credit/debit card receipts away
  • Watch the mail for your new card or reissued card to arrive
• Passwords and Personal Identification Numbers
  • Do not use common identifiers for your PIN numbers
  • Put a password or code on your financial accounts, again do not use common identifiers
  • Memorize all passwords
  • Shield your PIN number or password when using an ATM, computer or phone
• Social Security Numbers
  • Protect your Social Security Number (SSN)
  • Release it only when absolutely necessary
  • If requested ask if an alternate number can be used
  • Look for Privacy Act notice, if a government agency
  • Ask what will be done with your SSN and how it will be protected
  • Do not have your SSN printed on your checks
  • Order your Social Security Earnings and Benefits Statement once a year to check for fraud
• Responsible Information Handling
  • Inspect all statements for unauthorized use
  • Do not “toss” pre-approved credit offers in your trash or recycling bin before tearing them into small pieces or shredding them
  • Find out what your financial institution and creditors are doing to safeguard your data and what their privacy policy is
  • When you fill out applications for credit or loans, ask how they are stored or disposed of
  • When using your credit/debit card, ask how the business stores and disposes of the transaction slip
  • Store your financial information and canceled checks in a safe place
    

What should I do if I am a victim of Identity Theft?

• You may have to fill out fraud affidavits where fraudulent accounts have been established in your name. Many times these are required to be notarized.
• Report any fraudulent bank accounts or stolen checks to the check reporting agencies.
• Report your theft to the Federal Trade Commission’s ID Theft hotline – 877-ID-Theft or go to the website at: http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft
• You may want to have your SSN changed
  • This should be reserved for the most extreme cases and is rarely granted
  • You must notify all credit grantors and credit reporting bureaus of your new SSN
• Notify the Postal Inspector if you suspect mail theft
• If you have a passport, notify the passport office of possible fraudulent use or reissue
• Call all of your utilities and phone companies
• Notify the DMV
  • Fill out DMV complaint form
  • You may possibly need to obtain a new number
• Financial counselors offered through the credit union may be able to assist in advice on removing fraudulent claims from your credit report
• Keep a log of all conversations with authorities and financial institutions
• Send correspondence by certified mail with a return receipt
• Keep copies of all letters and documents
• Provide your police report number to expedite reporting the crime
• Consider seeking legal counsel, especially if you have difficulty clearing your credit history or if you a criminal record from the fraudulent activity
• Victim Statement
• False Civil and Criminal Judgments
  • Contact the court where the judgment was entered and report that you were a victim of identity theft
  • If you are wrongfully prosecuted for criminal charges, contact the State Department of Justice and the FBI on advice for clearing your name
• Stay aware of your mental health
• Seek help from a victims’ rights organization
• Don’t give in or give up

What resources are available to me?

• Financial Institution
• Credit Card Companies
• Law Enforcement
• Victims’ Rights Organization
• Federal Trade Commission
• Credit Bureaus
• DMV, SSA & Postal Inspectors

Links and Phone Numbers