Identity Theft
Identity theft is a multi million-dollar crime, and is the fastest growing crime in the United States.
You may ask yourself "Can this happen to me?" Yes! It is estimated that 700,000 to 1 million people nationally are victims of identity theft each year.
How can I protect myself?
- Check your credit report at least once a year.
- Guard your Social Security Number. When possible DO NOT carry your social security card with you. If a business asks for your social security number, question why they need it. Also, ask what they do to protect you from identity theft.
- Guard your personal information. DO NOT print your social security number or your driver's license number on your checks.
- Only carry the credit cards you need. Any credit cards you no longer use cancel. DO NOT store credit card information or passwords in your computer without a firewall.
- Carefully destroy paperwork you throw away, especially with personal information. To cut back on the number of pre-approved credit card offers call 888-50PTOUT.
- Keep an eye on your credit card when you give it to a store clerk or waiter. Carefully read your credit card statement each month and report any unauthorized charges.
How do most people find out they are a victim?
Typically, they find out when applying for a loan, a new credit card or receive a call from a collection agency and even a pre-employment check.
What should I do if I become an Identity Theft Victim?
- Contact the agencies involved, banks credit card companies, etc... Under California Law (530.8 PC), victims are entitled to copies of the application and transaction information on fraudulent accounts UPON REQUEST. Law enforcement will need this information, so request the information.
- Contact your local police or sheriff agency where you reside for a report, not where the information was used. You will need the report to give to the credit reporting agencies.
- Check your credit report at least once a year for FREE at www.annualcreditreport.com or contact the three reporting agencies: Trans Union 1-800-680-7289, Experian 1-888-397-3742, Equifax 1-800-525-6285 (These are automated systems and may take some time, but your credit is worth it)
- Call the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-IDTHEFT and report the crime. They are collecting statistics about ID theft and one of their databases is linked to law enforcement.
Other important resources, which can provide information:
