Smart Consumer



ID Theft

What to Know What to Do
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Identity theft is when a person uses your personal information (usually to make purchases) without your permission. The following personal information can be used:
  • Name and address
  • Credit card or bank account numbers
  • Social Security number
  • Medical insurance account numbers
Signs that someone is using your information
  • You see withdrawals from your bank account that you did not make.
  • You do not receive your bills or other expected mail.
  • You get bills for unknown services or products.
  • Debt collectors call you about debts that are not yours.
  • You find unfamiliar accounts or charges on your credit report.
  • The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) says you earned income from an unknown employer.
Significance of Identity Theft
  • You may be responsible if the thief commits illegal acts while using your personal information.
  • You might have to pay for what the thief purchases using your information.
Thieves can use your personal information to do the following
  • Buy things with your credit cards.
  • Get new credit cards.
  • Open a phone, electricity, or gas account.
  • Steal your tax refund.
  • Get medical care.
  • Pretend to be you if they are arrested.
How a thief can steal your identity
  • Go through your mail or garbage to get your account numbers or your Social Security number.
  • Trick you into sending personal information in an email.
  • Steal your account numbers from a business or medical office.
  • Steal your wallet or purse and look at your credit card information.
  • Look at financial information that you enter while on an unsecured wifi network in a public place.