Identity Theft

What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft is a federal crime. It is when someone uses your personal information without your permission or knowledge. The purpose is usually for financial reasons. Identity theft is the most common form of financial fraud. Prime targets are children, students, military members, veterans, and seniors but it can happen to anyone.

Typically, identity theft is when a thief steals your personal information to pose as you in some way. Synthetic identity theft is the use of some of your personal information, like your Social Security Number, combined with fake information, like a different name, to create an entirely new persona. This type of identity theft is harder to detect and can lead to more damage.

How do they get your info?

While some of these may seem like old tactics, they are still widely used and very effective for thieves. These things are especially important to keep in mind when you are traveling.

Mail Theft. Stealing mail out of mailboxes is still a common form of thievery. Consider a PO Box or a locking mailbox if possible.

Dumpster Diving. Thieves dig through trash to find key information about you. Shred documents that contain information about you before throwing them away.

Shoulder Surfing. Always conceal keypads with your hand or body when entering PINs, credit card information, or passwords.

Purse/Wallet Theft. Don’t carry your Social Security card in your wallet. Keep minimal payment cards on you and know which ones you have.

Computer Hacking/Online Identity Theft. The digital world has provided more opportunities for identity thieves, making it easier than ever for them to steal your information. Virtually lock your identity by practicing cyber security every single time you go online.

What happens with your info?

An attack on your identity can cause severe damage to your finances, credit score, and complicate your life in many ways. Thieves might:

• Drain your bank accounts
• Use and max out your credit card/s
• Open new accounts in your name (bank accounts, cell phones, credit cards, etc.)
• Acquire government documents with your name and their photos (like a driver’s license or a passport)
• Take out loans in your name
• Receive medical attention under your insurance
• Use your identity upon being investigated or arrested by police, creating a false criminal record in your name
• File a fraudulent tax return and collect a refund in your name
• Get a job and have earnings reported as your income

Think if any one of the above things happened to you and how devastating it could be. Oftentimes, identity theft includes more than one of the above. It is so important to protect your information. Stay tuned in this week and next while we share best practices for protecting yourself, signs of identity theft, and the immediate steps to take if it happens to you.

Watch next week after this series for a quick one-question quiz on identity theft and your chance to earn a $20 Visa gift card!