You -- or someone you know -- may have experienced a crime that’s growing throughout the country. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) estimates that as many as 9 million Americans are victims of identity theft each year.
It starts with the misuse of your identifying information such as your name and Social Security number, credit card numbers, or other financial account information. It can end up costing you significant amounts of time and money, harming your good name and damaging your credit record.
Thieves can get your information in a number of ways, including:
§ Stealing…your wallet or purse.
§ Dumpster diving.
§ Phishing, or sending you e-mails pretending to be financial institutions seeking personal information.
§ Misusing change-of-address forms.
Once they get the information, they can run up charges on your credit card, open new accounts in your name, clone your ATM or debit card, use your Social Security number to get government benefits, file tax returns in your name, or many other devious activities.
While there is no foolproof way to avoid identity theft, you can minimize your chances of becoming a victim. The FTC sums up the steps you should take this way:
ü DETER identity thieves by safeguarding your information. Shred personal documents. Protect your Social Security number. Never give out personal information – on the phone, the internet or through e-mail – unless you know whom you’re talking to.
Use firewalls and anti-virus software on your computer and keep them up to date. Visit www.onguardonline.gov for information.