How Identity Theft Occurs

In order to protect yourself, it is important to familiarize yourself with Skilled thieves get your personal identifying information by:

• "Skimming" your credit card through a special information device that stores the card information
• Buying personal information from sources such as employees at stores, restaurants or hotels
• Diverting your mail by using a change of address form
• Going through your trash or the trash of businesses and dumps
• Pretending to be your landlord or employer to get your credit reports or personnel records
• Stealing credit or debit card numbers as the card is being processed
• Stealing ID cards, credit cards and bank cards
• Stealing mail, including account statements, pre-approved credit card offers and tax information
• Stealing personal information from your home
• Stealing your purse or wallet
• You give it to people you trust
• "Shoulder surfing" to overhear or see any personal identifying information

Identity Theft Prevention

To help minimize the risk of becoming a victim, take a few simple steps. To start, remember the word "SCAM":

• S - Be stingy about giving out your personal information to others unless you have a reason to trust them, regardless of where you are.
• C - Check your financial information regularly and look for what should be there and what should not.
• A - Ask periodically for a copy of your credit report.
• M - Maintain careful records of your banking and financial accounts. Educating yourself is the best way to minimize identity fraud.