What is Identity Theft?
It is the act of assuming someone identity for monetary gain.
How your information can be stolen
In order for someone to steal your identity, they must gain access to your information. Here are some common methods of obtaining this information.
Stealing Your Trash - this allows the criminal to sort through any personal information, which has been discarded.
Stealing Your Mail - this allows the criminal to obtain any account numbers and personally identifiable information
Copying Computer Data - when a criminal is able to obtain your old computer system, they can frequently gain enormous amounts of information about you. This could include account numbers, electronic tax returns and any other digital records.
Hacking Computer Systems
Reporting Identity Theft.
Step 1 - report the event to your local police department. Obtaining a police report will insure this event is properly documented.
Step 2 - report the event to the credit reporting agencies. This will let them know that someone is using your information.
Equifax (www.equifax.com)
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
1-800-685-1111
Experian (www.experian.com)
P.O. Box 2104
Allen, TX 75013-0949
1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
Trans Union (www.transunion.com)
P.O. Box 1000
Chester, PA 19022
1-800-916-8800
