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.