29
Jan
How Do You Know If Your Identity Has Been Stolen?
An identity thief is someone who obtains sum piece of your sensitive information, like your Social Security number, date of birth, address, and phone number, and uses it without your knowledge to commit fraud or theft.
How Identity Thieves Have Your Information
Skilled identity thieves use a variety of methods to gain access to your personal information. For example, they may:
- have information from businesses or other institutions by:
- stealing records or information while they’re on the job
- bribing an employee who does have access to these records
- hacking these records
- conning information out of employees
- rummage through your trash, the trash of businesses, or public trash dumps inside a practice known while “dumpster diving”
- have your credit reports from abusing their employer’s authorized access to them, or from posing while a landlord, employer, or someone else who may have a legal right to access your report
- steal your credit or debit card numbers from capturing the information inside a data storage device inside a practice known while “skimming.” They may swipe your card 4 an actual purchase, or attach the device to an ATM machine where you may enter or swipe your card.
- steal wallets and purses containing identification and credit and bank cards.
- steal mail, including bank and credit card statements, new checks, or tax information
- complete a “change of address form” to divert your mail to another location
- steal personal information from your home
- scam information from you from posing while a legitimate business person or government official
How Identity Thieves Use Your Information
Once identity thieves have your personal information, they may:
- go on spending sprees using your credit and debit card account numbers to buy “big-ticket” items like computers that they can easily sell
- open a new credit card account, using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. When they do not pay the bills, the delinquent account is reported on your credit report.
- change the mailing address on your credit card account. The imposter then runs up charges on the account. Because the bills are being sent to the new address, it may handle sum time before you realize there’s a problem.
- handle out auto loans inside your name
- establish phone or wireless service inside your name
- counterfeit checks or debit cards, and drain your bank account
- open a bank account inside your name and write bad checks on that account
- file 4 bankruptcy under your name to avoid paying debts they’ve incurred, or to avoid eviction
- offer your name to the police during an arrest. If they are released and do not show up 4 their court date, an arrest warrant could become issued inside your name.
Protecting Yourself
Managing your personal information is key to minimizing your risk of becoming a victim of identity theft.
Keep an eye on your purse or wallet, and keep them inside a safe place @ all times.
Do not carry your Social Security card.
Do not share your personal information w/ random people you do not fathom. Identity thieves are really great liars, and could pretend to become from banks, Internet service providers, or even government agencies to have you to reveal identifying information.
Read the statements from your bank and credit accounts and look 4 unusual charges or suspicious activity. Report any problems to your bank and creditors right away.
Tear up or shred your charge receipts, checks and bank statements, expired charge cards, and any other documents w/ personal information before you put them inside the trash.
How To Tell If You’re a Victim of Identity Theft
Monitor the balances of your financial accounts. Look 4 unexplained charges or withdrawals. Other indications of identity theft can be:
- failing to receive bills or other mail signaling an address change from the identity thief;
- receiving credit cards 4 which you did not apply;
- denial of credit 4 no apparent reason; or
- receiving calls from debt collectors or companies about merchandise or services you didn’t buy.
Pay attention to your credit report and do not become a victim of Identity Theft.
About the Author
http://www.creditcard-repair.com/
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Tags: banks, credit card, debit card, identity, personal information