What is Identity theft?
Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal identifying information,like your name, Social Security number, or credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes. The Federal Trade Commission estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. In fact, you or someone you know may have experienced some form of identity theft. Repairing the damage caused by identity thieves takes time and money.
How can identity theft happen to you?It is frightening to realize that there is more than one way someone can steal your personal information. But it must be accepted so that you can protect yourself and loved ones from being a victim of identity theft. It seems harmless to just throw away junk mail, however junk mail is a common gateway to your information. Pre-approved credit card offers are a dream come true for identity thieves as they are able to open lines of credit on your behalf.
Dumpster diving is also a technique used; thieves rummage through your trash in search of bank or credit card statements. Always be sure to shred any documents with important information. They may also try to steal personal information from you through email or phone by posing as legitimate companies and claiming that you have a problem with your account. This practice is known as "phishing" online or pretexting by phone. With advancing technology, clerks working at places you patron can easily take a picture with camera phones to capture credit card numbers. This is why it is important to always be alert and discrete with your information.
Warning signs that you may be a victim include:
- Receiving a phone call or a letter either approving or denying credit for accounts you have not requested.
- You no longer receive your credit card statements, or you notice that some of your mail seems to be missing.
- Your credit card statement includes charges for things you know you never bought.
- A collection agency tells you they are collecting for an account you never opened.
How can you prevent being a victim?
- The FTC advises that the best way to catch identity theft is to regularly monitor your credit report. Every time someone applies for a line of credit in your name it will come up on your credit report.
- Stop the junk mail. Your discarded mail is an entry to your information. Call the Credit Bureaus Main Opt-Out Line 888 567-8688 to remove your name from the list of people eligible to receive offers of credit for 5 years. Check out our website www.sierrawestern.com for complete directions to opt yourself out. Junk mail is also a waste of resources about 62 million trees and 25 billion gallons of water are used to produce a typical year's worth of junk mail in the United States.
Filing a police report, notifying creditors, and disputing any unauthorized transactions are steps you must take to restore your good name. Try to save yourself the time, money and emotional toll of being a victim. For more information about Identity Theft, how to deter it from happening to you, and what to do if you are a victim please visit the Federal Trade Commission website at http://www.privacy.ca.gov/cover/identitytheft.htm.
