Avoid Identity Theft signIdentity theft is a serious crime that occurs when someone鈥檚 personal, identifying information is stolen and then used to commit fraud or other crimes.

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States. The Federal Trade Commission has estimated that as many as 9 million U.S. residents have their identities stolen every year.

Personal, Identifying Information 鈥� Examples

  • Social Security Number
  • Credit card and banking account numbers
  • Usernames
  • Passwords
  • Patient Records

What is 鈥淔raudulent Use鈥� of Someone鈥檚 Identity?

  • Opening new credit accounts in the victim鈥檚 name
  • Taking out loans in the victim鈥檚 name
  • Stealing money from the victim鈥檚 bank account
  • Using the victim鈥檚 credit account to make purchases
  • Damaging victim鈥檚 credit 鈥� means victim can鈥檛 get credit in the future

Tips for Fighting Identity Theft

  • Be cautious when giving personal details over the internet and phone
  • Refuse to give account details to unsolicited calls or emails
  • Don鈥檛 carry your social security card unless you need it
  • Be protective of PIN numbers
  • Change passwords regularly
  • Monitor your
  • Inspect your bank statements

If You Suspect or Fear Identity Theft

Use these resources:

For More Information

 

Listen to this webinar and download information about how to protect yourself from identity theft.


Guarding Against Identity Theft: