Important Facts about ID Theft

When it comes to identity theft, the more you know, the better-equipped you will be to prevent the crime from happening to you. Here are some Center for Identity Theft Prevention facts that every consumer should know.

Identity Theft Explained

The Center for Identity Theft Prevention defines identity theft as a crime that occurs when someone uses your personal information (name, credit card number, social security number) without your permission for fraudulent activities. Most instances of identity theft can actually be resolved fairly quickly and easily if detected early. But, sadly, most consumers do not realize they are victims of identity theft until it is too late. That is why it is so important to have a Center for Identity Theft Prevention company on your side to detect such things.

How Thieves Get Your Information

Identity theft begins when someone gets a hold of your personal identifying information and misuses it. Here are the ways the Center for Identity Theft Prevention has found that thieves most commonly access information:

• Going through your trash (for junk mail, credit card offers, etc.)
• Skimming your credit/debit card numbers with special devices
• Filling out change-of-address forms to have your mail sent to them
• Phishing (pretending to be financial institutions in emails or pop-up ads)
• Stealing your purse or wallet
• Pretending to be you to obtain your information from phone companies, utility companies, etc.

Detecting a Stolen Identity

The Center for Identity Theft Prevention suggests several strategies to determine if your identity has been stolen:

• Bill collection companies contact you for debts you didn't incur
• You get mail about a job you never had, an apartment you didn't rent, etc.
• You apply for credit and are wrongly denied