Identity Fraud Prevention

What is Identity Fraud?

Identity Fraud occurs when someone uses your personal information like your name, social security number, date of birth, mother’s maiden name, driver’s license, bank or credit card number; without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes.

What do Identity Fraudsters do with my information?

Thieves may commit identity fraud in a variety of ways. They may use your information to:

• Open new bank accounts and write bad checks.
• Establish telephone or utility services to run up charges
• Apply for loans and credit cards in your name.
• Obtain your social security benefits without your knowledge.
• Rent apartments or purchase vehicles with your information.

How do they steal my Identity?

Identity Fraudsters may get a hold of your information in many ways. Some of their methods include:

• Dumpster Diving – Going through your trash to steal old bills or other documents with your personal information on it.
• Skimming – Duplicating your debit card via a cloning device attached to ATM’s.
• Pretexting – Posing as a legitimate company and claiming your account has issues.
• Phishing – Impersonating a trustworthy financial institution or company to trick you into revealing personal information.
• Changing Your Address – Sending your mail to their location so you are unaware of your information being captured.
• Stealing – Taking your wallet or purses.

How do I protect my Identity?

Protect your identity by protecting your personal information.

• Shred all papers containing personal information, such as bank and credit card statements, bills and invoices.
• Go Green. Be paperless by paying your bills electronically.
• Do not give personal information on the telephone or internet unless it is a known source.
• Use software to protect your computer from attacks.
• Keep all pin numbers and passwords in a secure environment.
• Examine bills carefully and look for unrecognizable charges.
• Routinely view your credit report

What if I am an Identity Fraud Victim?

If you believe that you are an Identity Fraud Victim, file your complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) here. Find out more information at the FTC’s Identity Theft website: ftc.gov/idtheft . Immediately notify all your banks and credit card companies.

Also, obtain a copy of your credit report:

Equifax
www.equifax.com
To order a report: (800) 685-1111
To report fraud: (800) 525-6285

Experian
www.experian.com
To order a report: (888) 397-3742
To report fraud: (888) 397-3742

Trans Union
www.transunion.com
To order a report: (800) 916-8800
To report fraud: (800) 680-7289