ID Theft - Know

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.